Help us break the cycle of abuse

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. 

The effort to educate the public of the tragedy of child abuse began in 1989. A grandmother tied a blue ribbon to her car antenna as a way to remember the loss of her grandson to child abuse and remind others of this national tragedy.  Today, the effort to educate the public to the ubiquitous problem of child abuse and neglect is a year long effort.

The abuse of children is not a new phenomenon.  Children have been used and abused in each generation.  With all the progress modern man has made, we have not been successful in eradicating this blight from our civilized society.  It is a growing problem for the post-modern man fueled in part by our increased addiction problems.

The children are often the real victims of addiction.  When parents manufacturing, selling or using drugs are apprehended, something must be done with their kids.  When the parents go to jail, the children often are placed in the child welfare system.  This is usually a safer, healthier place for children to live but far from the norm every child deserves. 

What should society do with these kids?  We have a moral obligation to care for these innocent victims.  If ever there is a group we as a community should rally together to support, the children of abuse and neglect is that group.

This April, remember the children standing in the shadows of life, the forgotten children of abusive parents.  Find a way to help them.  We have been serving abused and neglected children for decades at Sunrise Children’s Services.  Join hands with us as we reach out to these suffering children.