LETTERS: CHILD-ABUSE PREVENTION

To the editor:

Many of Missouri's children are victims of child abuse and neglect. Every eight days in our state, a child dies as a result of abuse and neglect. Thousands more are seriously injured each year. The cost in human suffering is incalculable. We as Missourians must work together to stop these tragedies before they occur.

Government cannot solve this problem alone. We all, as individuals, must develop grass-roots solutions through education and support in our homes, our schools and our places of worship.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time for those people who work to improve the quality of lives for children to concentrate their efforts toe make the public more aware of the problem of child abuse and neglect and of ways to solve the problem.

As honorary chair of the Missouri chapter of the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, I urge readers to join me and others to create a solution to child abuse. Seek ways to support adults in the difficult job of parenting. Encourage children to develop a positive self-image. And take steps to help prevent abuse in the community. We must find creative solutions to a community problem.

The theme of this year's campaign is "All Aboard for Healthier Families." Building healthy families, where abuse and neglect do not exist, is the goal. This goal will be on the minds of many Missourians and others across the nation as they strive to make the world a healthier and happier place for children.

Together we can form a winning team to support parents, protect our children and build stronger communities. It should never hurt to be a child in Missouri.

DUANE BENTON, Judge

Missouri Supreme Court

Jefferson City