Get Involved to Curb Abuse

A recent report released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the 2010 KIDS COUNT Data Book, ranks Louisiana 49th out of 50 states in overall child well-being, a position we have held for the past nine years. Louisiana falls well below the national average on many of the indicators. The future prosperity of our state depends on our ability to foster the health and well being of the next generation.

Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana strives to change the way Louisiana thinks about preventing child abuse. Too often, when asked how child abuse and neglect is prevented, the public’s response is simply to report suspicions to child welfare officials. We need to understand that reporting suspected abuse is not prevention, but intervention — getting involved after abuse has already occurred.

Research shows that the toxic stress children experience when exposed to extreme and sustained trauma, like child abuse and neglect, can be devastating to their development. Toxic stress damages the developing brain and adversely affects an individual’s learning and behavior, as well as increases susceptibility to physical and mental illness.

By preventing abuse and neglect we are ensuring that our children are safe, healthy and have the opportunity to grow into productive members of society.

PCA Louisiana encourages parents, partners and the community to call our KIDLINE at 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373). This statewide telephone service provides crisis intervention, support, parenting information and referrals.

For additional information about PCA Louisiana’s programs and services, please visit www.pcal.org.

Amanda Brunson, Baton Rouge

*Article can be  found in The News Star

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