I like to think about solving world problems. One problem I spend a lot of time thinking about is how to stop child abuse and neglect. We suck at it. It was recently pointed out to me that the state of Texas spends a little over $1 BILLION dollars a year funding child and adult protective services. I looked it up because I am a skeptic. Sure enough, he was correct. Texas is spending a BILLION dollars to protect children from their parents and grandparents and other so-called guardians.
I have met some courageous people who are on the front lines at CPS. They are smart and I respect their ethics. I have also met workers at CPS who should not be in the business of protecting children. The more I think and read and hear about child welfare in Texas and many areas around the country, the more I believe we are going about it in all the wrong ways. What if we spent the BILLION dollars on the guardians? Better yet, give them money NOT to have children. Or, we could come up with some kind of citizen panel that approved or denied people the privilege of bearing children. Too silly? Still, these options might be easier to enforce than real change. Once you are generating a BILLION dollar budget, heaven help the person(s) who challenges the status quo.
To understand the problem though, you need to go back to the 60s. That's when doctors were beginning to report to authorities suspicious injuries to children. Then in 1974, Congress passed legislation mandating reporting by a host of authorities (teachers, professionals, medical, etc). Not reporting suspected child abuse carried a penalty. And the flood gates opened. A whole new industry was created to react to these reports - before anyone really knew what they were doing. Research on best way to investigate these cases was limited; treatment for abused children was in its infancy, especially for children who were sexually abused. Forget help for incested children.
Child welfare has been in a state of catch up. Catching up on research. Catching up on the number of reports. Catching up on hiring professional workers. Catching up on public relations.
Really, I don't have a solution. I wish I did. However, one thing that consistently figures in discussions by the really smart people, is something called primary education. It's all about prevention. Essentially, it's teaching children before they become parents. Teaching them about values, about their bodies, about their rights. Not just once, but throughout their many stages of moral and personal and physcial development. But then you are in danger of crossing the line between state and family, right? If the teaching is done in the schools, really the only place where you would have access to all children, especially the ones who need to hear the messages. They need to hear they are worth something and that there is hope for a better future.
This is not a problem everywhere. In Texas, it is a problem. What we can do, in the meantime, is draw on our compassion for all children. Simply reporting suspected child abuse does not solve the problem. Give to local nonprofits who serve children and families. Volunteer at these places. Adopt a family twice a year, not just at Christmas. Educate yourself on the issues and get involved. Vote. I know all this sounds corny. But I believe it. It's the Margaret Mead quote about not doubting the power of a small group of people to change things. Be bold today. Do something that will help a child in need.
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