It shouldn’t hurt to be a child

By Beula Dvorak

Today's children are Iowa's future leaders, parents and workers. Our state's future prosperity depends on their healthy growth and development.

When we intervene early in children's lives, we see the results later on in a more prosperous future for all of us. Yes, it is true, child development is community development. When we provide healthy environments of experiences and relationships, we build a strong foundation for healthy brain development. When this process is disrupted, as a result of child abuse or other high stress situations, children's brain circuits are underdeveloped and future development is on a fragile foundation.

According to the most recent data from Prevent Child Abuse Iowa and the Department of Human Services:

l The number of abused children in Linn County rose from 685 in 2008 to 920 in 2009.

l That 34 percent increase is three times the state figure of 11 percent.

l About 52 percent of those abused children are younger than 6.

l St. Luke's Child Protection Center experienced a 14 percent increase from 2008 (1,162 children) to 2009 (1,319 children). The first quarter of 2010 shows a similar increase compared to first quarter of 2009.

Some of the reasons cited for the increase in child abuse situations are the flood of June 2008 and the general decline in the economy, resulting in significant stress for many families. Further research shows that multiple stressors, including child abuse, impact overall child development, including brain development. This results in significant challenges for many children as adolescents and adults.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. During this month and throughout the year, the Linn Council for the Prevention of Child abuse is dedicated to supporting families to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. As a community, each of us can:

l Reach out and help a parent who is struggling.

l Remind anyone you think is having problems with parenting that asking for help is a sign of strength.

l Lend your time, skills, resources or money to help groups that prevent child maltreatment and family violence.

Find out how you can help create positive change in our community and learn about programs that support parents and promote healthy families. Contact the council at (319) 286-0773. It shouldn't hurt to be a child. See how you can make a difference in our community's future by impacting the life of a child today.

Beula Dvorak is program director for Young Parents Network and member of Linn Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse. Comments:

bdvorak@young

parentsnetwork.org