CPS outlines abuse prevention techniques

Cherokee County District Attorney Elmer Beckworth and Kelly Peacock cut the blue ribbon as part of the Child Abuse Prevention Month Blue Ribbon Rally which was held Tuesday on the lawn of the Cherokee County courthouse in Rusk. The rally was attended by several local officials and featured encouragement from State Rep. Chuck Hopson (D-Jacksonville), a declaration by State Sen. Robert Nichols (R-Jacksonville), a challenge for the community by County Court-at-Law Judge Craig Fletcher and a proclamation by County Judge Chris Davis. The event was held to raise awareness of child abuse in Cherokee County. With 223 children dying as a result of child abuse and neglect in 2007, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) is observing Child Abuse Prevention Month by raising awareness of child abuse.

Suzan Ellis, investigations supervisor for Child Protective Services (CPS) in Cherokee County, said there were 433 child abuse investigations in Cherokee County during 2007, with 18 children being placed in foster care.

In the state of Texas, 15,920 children were placed in foster care in 2007.

In a document provided to the Cherokeean Herald by Ms. Ellis, child abuse prevention is defined as stopping child abuse and neglect before it happens.

CPS routinely prevents and works to stop child abuse through educating parents, visiting homes and through parent support groups.

"Most child abuse is based on parents not knowing what to do," said Kelly Peacock, who serves on the Blue Ribbon Rally committee, which held a rally to raise child abuse awareness Tuesday. "Parents are often referred to parenting classes to teach them how to redirect their anger elsewhere."

Ms. Peacock said the Blue Ribbon Rally held Tuesday was to raise awareness.

"My goal is to help make the community aware that abused children don't have a voice without people noticing and reporting abuse," she said.

Ms. Ellis said CPS refers parents to inpatient drug services and to homemaking resources.

"The house does not have to be spick and span, but it does have to be sanitary and safe for children," she said.

To combat abuse, TDFPS says residents must believe that abuse occurs and be ready to take action when it does. Residents should then know the physical signs of abuse and neglect and listen to what the children are saying. If abuse is suspected, residents should report the abuse to the CPS hot line at (800) 252-5400.

TDFPS says people can further prevent child abuse by being a positive role model for kids and an advocate against child abuse.

Child Abuse Prevention Month continues through April 30.