Child welfare concerns in Indiana have escalated to a state of crisis, and the growing number of heartbreaking child abuse and neglect stories making headlines illustrate that there is an urgent need for parental support and intervention for at-risk families.

With this in mind, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, a Division of The Villages, championed a think tank of solution-minded community leaders to work together on a new initiative called KIDS CAN'T WAIT.

Through this effort, community support groups and organizations that serve families and children have partnered to take responsive and responsible action. The faction does not focus on child welfare or the judicial systems — rather, it strives to engage representatives from all of the other entities that touch children's lives: schools; church and faith organizations; neighborhoods; health professionals; domestic violence coalitions; Women Infant and Children (WIC) sites; Healthy Families programs and parenting groups.

Each year, more than 20,000 Hoosier children are abused and neglected: that equates to 56 children being harmed every day and one child each week losing his or her young life to child abuse.

Our vision for KIDS CAN'T WAIT begins with dialogue and community conversation on this critical issue.

We believe this cross-section of community leaders can make a difference, by working purposefully together to bring about positive change. It's our hope that together, we can begin to strategize at the local level and create an awareness of available resources for families who need help before they reach a crisis point.

The three main contributors to child abuse and neglect — substance abuse, mental health and domestic violence — will provide a framework for creative solutions to this crisis.

But this is just the beginning! Together, community partners and caring individuals will work to shape the coalition's priorities, ideas, messages and media strategy, laying the foundation for the good work that lies ahead.

Kid's Can't Wait Coalition | A Snapshot of Child Abuse
Indiana Kids Can't Wait Partners | How You Can Help
Providing Support to Parents | Contact Us | Prevent Child Abuse Indiana

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