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Community leaders heard a call to arms Monday on behalf of young people, too many of whom are being abused in Kosciusko County.
About 90 people at the local Child Abuse Prevention Council annual luncheon at Mosaique Restaurant in Warsaw heard a number of initiatives by U.S. Rep. Tim Roemer to reduce the levels of abuse.
The mood of the meeting was set by host Jean Northenor, who reminded the audience that Kosciusko County is in the upper fourth in number of reported cases of child abuse in Indiana.
"That is unacceptable for this county," Northenor said.
Roemer, who's gained national recognition as an advocate of child issues, outlined a variety of tools that can help in the campaign.
While the number of young people has remained constant, the number of abuse case reports in the past decade has doubled in Indiana, according to Roemer.
He congratulated the council on its efforts and outlined several things that can help in the battle.
"This local agency is critical in helping solve this problem long-term," said the Democrat congressman from South Bend.
On the local level, people can become active in the abuse council by volunteering or donating money. They can also have a role by purchasing "Kids First" specialty license plates that forward $25 of the $35 fee toward child abuse prevention programs in Indiana.
Keeping families together is another key, he said.
"The divorce rate is too high and too many people are fathering children without having the parental responsibilities," Roemer said.
Roemer supported passage last year of a bill that established a $5,000 tax credit for families that adopt children. The money the government loses in the tax credits is recouped through savings by no longer caring for the child, Roemer said.
Another proposal before Congress would make it easier for states to speed up the adoption process. Currently, the minimum time is at least two years. The bill would decrease it to 18 months and in some cases 12 months, according to a spokesman for Roemer.
Child abuse involves behavior beyond typical physical abuse, including the lack of adequate food, clothing, shelter, education or medical care. Adults can also faces penalties if they commit or allow acts of illicit sexual activity.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Kosciusko County has been in existence for about seven years, but has been more visible in the past three years by hosting child abuse summits and other activities.
The organization meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Mental Health Association office in Warsaw. Members of the group visit schools and educate children about good and bad touches.
Volunteers this month are distributing blue ribbons and information detailing alternatives parents can use when drawn toward violence, according to Nancy Wilson, president of the council.
The council is planning its third annual child abuse summit later this summer. The meeting will feature a guest speaker and possibly a panel discussion involving adults who were victimized as children, Wilson said.
