There is Hope Out There

We have excellent psychologists with sophisticated tests that can help us to identify the endangered, at-risk child. We as a people have the ability to detect abuse-and stop it.

Back in August of 1998, the Director of the County Department of Children's Services said, "…Everything I read says home visits are the most effective program…" In the same series of articles, the Spokeswoman for the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, which conducts studies of child abuse prevention programs, said, "…home visitations can play a vital role in breaking the cycle of abuse."

Back in 11-15-2000, State Attorney General Bill Lockyer said, "'…Children who have seen violence at a young age tend to become physically and emotionally scarred and are often unable to lead productive lives…' The solution, he said, is to offer prevention programs to parents who have had trouble with the law and whose children have a high risk of becoming criminals themselves…Through early intervention, the number of children who are abused or neglected can be significantly reduced, he said."

An informed, educated man, Mr. Lockyear knows if you lower the numbers of abused children, you save your society that much more grief and money.

In the article quoted above, The San Bernardino County Sheriff said, "…It would pay for itself to invest in a program like that if it turned a few people around..."

In 12-22-02, I read what I thought was the best article of the year. The title of the article says it all, "Investing in kids ticket to reducing violent crime". The chief of the Chino Police said, "…In the High/Scope Perry Preschool Program, low-income children, randomly selected as 3 and 4-year olds, participate in a quality preschool program. These children were only one-fifth as likely to be "chronic offenders" by age 27, compared to those who received no special preschool services…The study sends a clear message that investment in quality child-care programs not only helps low-income working families, but it also creates a safer community…Quality after-school programs are also scientifically proven to prevent crime. A study of after-school programs established through the California Juvenile Crime Prevention Demonstration Project in 12 high-risk California communities found that, among program participants, vandalism and stealing dropped two-thirds, while violent acts, carrying a concealed weapon, arrests and police detentions were all cut in half…These programs save money over time through reduced crime, reduced remedial education and reduced welfare dependency…I'd much rather pay to provide kids with quality programs now than pay the higher cost of putting them in jail years down the road. In doing so, we'll not only reduce crime and save money, but we'll spare families the agony that crime and violence leave in their wake."

We have studied, worked, and seen what works against abuse. We can do it, if we apply ourselves.

People are organizing. On 12-22-02 I read an article where I learned a coalition of black leaders had banded together to, "…turn the community around and fight gangs' influence…The Inland Empire Concerned African-American Churches, a group of more than 60 churches…is working with civic, law enforcement and business leaders to develop strategies to make a difference in kids' lives…" This group of churches has grown into the hundreds.

If people work together, they can accomplish a lot.

The abused children of today will become the ruthless adult criminals of tomorrow. These adults are 'programmed' by traumatic childhood experiences to hurt others, and in so doing perpetuate their own wretched kind. We must break the vicious cycle. We can do it, if we determine that we will, no matter what!