Dear Editor,

April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention month. Research commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America shows that most people are already involved in prevention by mentoring children or parents (70 percent), donating (80 percent) or advocating for children and families (77 percent). However, only 27 percent of respondents engaged in those activities reported involvement with child abuse prevention.
As the Kansas Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, Kansas Children’s Service Leagues goal this April and year round is to help others recognize the role we all play in healthy child development. Every $1 Kansas invests in programs and strategies like home visiting; parent education; mutual self-help support; mental health and substance abuse treatment; respite care; and safe, affordable child care saves $7 or more in services on the back end. Consider volunteering as a mentor to a parent or child or advocating for family-friendly policies. Join us in creating a better Kansas where all children have the great childhoods they deserve and abuse and neglect never occurs.
What role will you play in strengthening families and building great childhoods for all children?

Vicky Roper
Wichita