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04/26/2012
22 Minnesota law enforcement leaders join national colleagues on letter speaking out about abuse/neglect fatalities; Report shows half of child abuse and neglect can be prevented though voluntary home-visiting.
As millions of Americans recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 22 law enforcement leaders from across Minnesota joined a nationwide letter calling on Congress to support proven child abuse prevention strategies. At least 4,462 Minnesota children suffered abuse or neglect in 2010—one child every hour and 230 every week, on average.
Child abuse and neglect also claimed the lives of at least 1,560 children nationwide in 2010, including 14 Minnesota children. More than 1,560 law enforcement leaders and survivors—one for every child who lost their life to abuse or neglect—have signed the letter urging Congress to protect and expand funding for evidence-based home visiting services.
The letter emphasized the benefits of voluntary home visiting services, which help new parents cope with the stresses of raising a young child. Research shows quality, voluntary home visiting programs can cut child abuse and neglect by up to 50 percent, significantly reduce later crime and save taxpayers money. They say that evidence-based home visiting can save as much as $21,000 for each family served by reducing abuse, neglect, juvenile crime and other negative outcomes. Among signers of the letter from Minnesota are:
Greg Brolsma, Fairmont Chief of Police,
Robert Toland, Winnebago Chief of Police
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ROD HALVORSEN
© 2010 KSUM.
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