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Action the focus for child abuse
and neglect
by
Kim Eaton
West Hawaii Today
keaton@westhawaiitoday.com
Thursday, March 30, 2006 8:40 AM HST
A young
girl locked away in a closet with no food or water. A boy
cowering in a corner afraid his drunken parent will find him and
beat him. A brother and sister left to fend for themselves for
days at a time.
Everyone has heard the horror stories. The message of child
abuse and neglect has been delivered over and over.
But as Child Abuse Prevention Month kicks off in April, West
Hawaii has taken a different approach in dealing with the
issues.
"There is a shifting on where the focus should be," West Hawaii
Fatherhood Initiative Coordinator Michael Kramer told about 60
people at "A Community Response for Healthy Families, " the
kickoff event for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Representatives from the Department
of Health, Children's Justice Center, police department,
prosecuting attorney's office and other area organizations
attended the breakfast brunch with Lt. Gov. James Duke Aiona
Wednesday morning at the Kona Outdoor Circle.
"For years, we've focused on the awfulness of child abuse, the
horror stories. And we've succeeded. We've gotten the message
out, we've educated the community," Kramer said. "Now we need to
do something about it."
As of Feb. 28, there were 151 children in West Hawaii living in
foster homes, waiting to be reunited with their families, said
Constance Santana, West Hawaii Child Welfare Services section
administrator. For an additional 91 children, family
reunification is no longer an option and they are waiting for a
permanent custody situation, such as adoption or legal
guardianship, she added.
While child abuse is prevalent in West Hawaii, it's not
something often publicized, said Wally Lau, Neighborhood Place
of Kona executive director. When the child's safety has been
compromised, that is when the community is made aware.
But now, agencies and community
groups are working more with families who are at risk, getting
to them before it becomes an abuse or neglect case. Anyone with
children can be an at-risk family, Lau said.
"All it takes is a day of waking up on the wrong side of the
bed, or getting a pink slip at work," he said. "We're trying to
let families know that they don't need to wait until the very
end. There are people in the community who can help out. We're
taking ownership of the problem."
At the kickoff brunch, area representatives shared their
thoughts on what factors might lead to child abuse and neglect.
"There's been a shift in attitude toward parenting," Aiona said.
"It is becoming almost like a hobby, where young parents don't
look at parenting as a responsibility or the blessing that it
is. Once the novelty wears off, the kids are just cast aside. A
lot of our parents are also selfish."
Today's children watch too much television and have too much
free time on their hands, and parents are no longer doing their
job, said Lily Kong.
"You cannot compare today's life with once upon my time. When I
was young, my daddy and mom were the law of the house. There was
no such thing as talking back," Kong said. "Parents have to
designate responsibility in their children. They need to sit
with them and talk to them. Take the time to find out what's
happening in their lives."
Electronic media is also a large part of today's community and
one that cannot be ignored, said Dr. Terry Ann Fujioka. Parents
need to be careful in what choices they make for their children.
"We don't have to be democratic in our families. We, as
grownups, can turn off the TV, turn off the computer, turn off
the cell phone," she said.
"Healthy families take healthy communities," Lau said. "This is
something that should be addressed all year, not just one month.
By doing these type of events year round, we hope to educate the
community on their role in keeping our families healthy."
Community members can get involved in activities for young
people, such as Little League, Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts,
gymnastics and youth programs; they can get to know their
neighbors and stay active in their communities; and they can
vote.
"You can have all the money in the world and still not fix the
problem. We're dealing with human nature, and there is no easy
answer," Aiona said. "But the one thing I do know is that the
answer lies right here in the community. Whether it's a problem
with alcohol, abuse or neglect, it starts with the family and
with us as role models."
Abuse prevention month activities
April 1
March of Dimes Walk-A-Thon
- Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Hale Halawai
- For more information, call Carol at 936-9898
Keiki Beach Dash and Youth Race
- Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Anaehoomalu Bay
- For more information, call Laura at Tutu's House at 885-6777
HBGFC Junior Fishing Tournament
- 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Honokohau Harbor
- For more information, call the Neighborhood Place at 331-8777
Celebration of Fatherhood Conference
- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Keauhou Beach Hotel
- For more information, call the Neighborhood Place at 331-8777
April 12
Prevent Child Abuse Community Sign Waving
- 3:30-5:30 p.m. in different neighborhoods
- For more information, call the Neighborhood Place at 331-8777
April 22
Family Fun Day
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hale Halawai
- For more information, call the Neighborhood Place at 331-8777
April 28
West Hawaii's Community Response for Healthy Families
- 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Royal Kona Resort conference room
- For more information, call 327-4985
April 29
Waimea Healthy Keiki Fest
- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Parker Ranch Center
- For more information, call Laura at 885-6777
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