Help stop child abuse locally

To the Editor:

Five children die each day from abuse and neglect in the United States, a figure higher than that of any other industrialized nation. An estimated 794,000 American children were victims of maltreatment in 2007. In fact, a report released recently by the Every Child Matters Education Fund revealed that the U.S. child-abuse death rate is among the highest in the world "“ three times higher than that of Canada, and 11 times higher than Italy. This rate has increased by 35 percent since the year 2001.

Sadly, experts estimate that the real number of deaths may actually be as much as 50 percent higher due to underreporting and poor documentation. In 2007, 90 children died of abuse in Ohio, and 38,484 were victims of maltreatment. Specialists assert that the current condition of the economy has rendered state governments unable to adequately protect children due to insufficient resources.

What can you do to help stop this deplorable situation? Give the gift of your time to provide an abused or neglected child a second chance for a positive future. Become a Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). The Athens County CASA/GAL program recruits and trains community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. CASA volunteers are people from all walks of life collaborating with professionals, community members and the legal system toward the ultimate goal of finding a safe, permanent home for each child. Their work makes them everyday heroes.

Pre-service training for new Athens CASA volunteers starts the beginning of November. For more information about how you can volunteer call our office at 592-3255, or e-mail us at casavolunteers@hotmail.com. Have the courage to stand up for a child.

Linda Wicke, volunteer coordinator
Athens County CASA/GAL Program
Athens