Dedicated to memory of abused children
Candlelight vigil scheduled for Monday
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

To remember the nearly 300 children reported abused and/or neglected in Ripley County last year, a candlelight vigil will take place on Monday, April 12, at 7:00 p.m. on the court house lawn. It will conclude at 7:45 p.m.

Sponsored by the Prevent Child Abuse Council, the remembrance program will feature speakers who have positions that keep them in touch with the problem of child abuse.

India Turner, director of the Ripley County Office of Family and Children; Brenda Konradi, Community Mental Health's DIRECTIONS! leader; and Ric Hertel, Ripley County Prosecutor will speak briefly about child abuse as it affects our county.

Using the theme "Think it doesn't happen here? Think again," the co
ordinators of the vigil are commemorating Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month during April. "The safety, protection, health and well-being of Indiana's children must be a priority for every community and every citizen across the state," state officials have said.
Throughout April, the Family and Social Services Administration will be promoting prevention efforts in Indiana. They will provide resources for parents and caregivers and inform the public what to look for and what each person can do to combat child abuse and neglect.

"Public education and awareness are critical in the fight against child abuse and neglect. Child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility...We have made great strides in improving our system, but help is needed to support families, recognize early warning signs, to report suspected abuse, and to nurture victimized children," authorities said.

Each year more than 20,000 Indiana children are abused or neglected. Indiana law requires anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it to authorities. A toll-free number may be used on a 24-hour, statewide basis: 1-800-800-5556.

Child abuse can be defined the following ways:

* Serious injury or harm experienced by a child under age 18, caused by a parent or caregiver;

* Sexual abuse can include injury or harm caused by the child's parent or caregiver, or others who are not providing care or support to the child;

* Neglect can result from inability, refusal, or neglect by the child's parents or caregiver to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, medical care, education or supervision.

"The fact that we have to have a government program to protect kids from adults is a tragedy," said Governor Joseph E. Kernan. "But it is our solemn responsibility, so we must do it well."

According to information received from the state, each person has a responsibility to report child abuse or neglect. Other ways adults can help include being a mentor to a child, participating in Healthy Families Indiana, or possibly adopting a child or becoming a foster parent.

"Get involved in children's services at your local level," state authorities have said. "Contact your county's Step Ahead Coordinator to find out how."

Coordinator for Ripley County is Sandy Day Howard, who can be reached for further information at 689-7103.

"Come together as a community for this brief program on Monday, April 12, to remember the children who cry in silence," said Howard.