#capmonth

Every year, as Child Abuse Prevention month approaches, a Louisiana statistic comes to light with little fanfare. Events and activities are planned around this number to shed light on the need for child abuse prevention and for keeping children safe.  This year should be different.  2014 should be the year when this number truly becomes the focal point of everything we do, and who we are, at LouisianaChildren.org.

This year’s number is 43. If nothing else, remember 43. Think 43. Act 43. Honor 43.  

43 is the number of children in Louisiana who died at the hands of their caregiver in the past year. Boy, 4 months old, ruptured brain stem.  Girl, 4, drowned. And 41 more. Remember, Louisiana, these are 43 in just a year’s time.

In fact, Louisiana has one of the highest rates of child death due to abuse and neglect in the country.  These 43 did nothing wrong. They only trusted those who were supposed to love them, nurture them, and perhaps even dance to a special song on their wedding day with them.  

There is no wedding day for these children; no first day of the new school year; no opportunity for a base hit or a blue ribbon in an art contest or a project to build for a science class. There’s no first date jitters, no anxiety with driver’s education class beginning, and no college application to complete or ACT to register for. Nothing.

They are not completely gone from us.  As long as we honor their short lives through our actions these 43 children will live on. These children’s legacy will be fulfilled by you and I as we stand together to make a difference – as we stand up for Louisiana’s Children.

What will you do? Volunteer and spend 1-2 hours a week as a CASA Volunteer speaking up for children in foster care. Become a foster parent and open your home to a child seeking a safe haven for healing and hope.

Give.  No gift is too small to make a big difference. For just $25 you can be the difference for children.  You can also use your voice to speak up for children. In less than 3 minutes you can send a message to your legislators urging them to support child victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Perhaps you want to learn more on how you can make a difference.   Attend the Summit on Child Well Being or contact your local CASA program or Child Advocacy Center and find out how you can get involved in your community.  You can also attend LouisianaChildren.org’s Capitol Day April 15. Register here and let us know you are coming.