The Stephens County Courthouse lawn displays 235 small, white crosses to honor the 235 children who have died from child abuse or neglect this past year in Region 2, which includes Stephens County and 29 other counties in Texas. These children died from abuse or neglect at the hands of their parents or legal guardians. Most of them were under the age of three. Members of the Stephens County Welfare Board worked tirelessly to display the small white crosses. There also are small cutouts of children, a large white cross, with two small animals and a sign explaining what you see.
Then, in a large tree, there are 20 pairs of shoes representing the 20 children of Stephens County in Foster Care. The members of the Stephens County Child Welfare Board are led by the president, Sharon Wimberley and the members include Linda Lippe, Alva Carey, Jan Davis, Linda Burdick, Sandy Broyles, Stephanee Russell, Fran Sikes and Carla Barnes.
At the end of the month, there will be a candlelight ceremony in which prayers will be offered for these children and for those children who are still living through this type of situation. Date and time for this event to be determined.
The last Sunday in April is April 25 and has been declared Blue Sunday and a Day of Prayer in most churches, who are participating, by taking the time to pray for the victims of Child Abuse or Neglect and for those who rescue them from that environment.
“Lord, thank you for our children, For them, we kneel and pray. Help us teach them of your kindness, of your mercy and your way. Help us show them your love, your strength and your safety, too. Help us show them who we are. Help us treat them like you do. Amen.
Let’s further pray to educate ourselves, and volunteer for the children of our nation until black and blue are just colors in their crayon box. Amen.”
Over 1600 children die annually from abuse. Most are under the age of three. Most are victims of neglect. Most are boys. Most deaths are caused by family members. Six million new reports of child abuse occur annually. Two-thirds of those in drug treatment reported being abused as a child. Eighty percent of the prison population were once in foster care. Within one year of aging out of foster care, 66% will be home less, in jail or dead.
Learn the signs of abuse that include:
*The child shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
*Has not received help for medical problems brought to his parents’ attention.
*Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
*Lacks adult supervision.
*Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
*Comes early, stays late and does not want to go home.
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