Real people, real results: Crisis Nurseries Counter Child Neglect
"Had it not been for them, I honestly don't know what would have happened," Sandra Elders says about the St. Louis Crisis Nursery. The support facility helped the now 30-year-old mother maintain her sanity and preserved the safety of her two young boys during a difficult divorce. "I brought them there because I didn't want to harm my kids," said Elders. "I was more angry at myself and my husband at the time, and I was starting to be aggressive toward them." A growing network of about a dozen crisis nurseries across Missouri is helping solve issues for parents who might physically harm their children, families without hot water or heat, youth whose parents are temporarily unable to care for them and others in need of help, according to this recent news article in the Springfield (Mo.) News Leader.
Figures from the St. Louis Crisis Nursery show the center is successfully curbing instances of child neglect and abuse in the metro area. The state's Department of Social Services backs the group's claim that 99% of the youth they serve are not taken from their homes and are not reported as abused or neglected. Furthermore, fewer children served by crisis nurseries end up under the state's care, according to Dana Carroll, administrator of early childhood services at Community Partnership of the Ozarks. "And that's proven. Those families who access this service will be less likely to end up in the children's system."
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Child Advocacy 360's national research is complete, and we can now say with certainty that "good news" about programs that improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged kids - helping them to become responsible citizens - can make a significant difference in building stronger neighborhoods, villages and cities.
What the research tells us:
- We see and hear so many "problem stories" about youth in the media - and so few "good news" stories about rewarding work being done with and for young people.
- The research is a call to "Give good news a chance! Tell stories about "Who's Doing What That Works." Why not, at long last, highlight solutions and not problems?
- And don't, according to the research, depend on the press to get your message out. In fact, the press is plagued with reduced staffs, meager resources and, for the most part, continues to believe: "If it bleeds, it leads."
What can we - ordinary citizens, parents, family members - do to make a difference where we live and work? more »
Hershel Sarbin, editor and publisher
Related-Using The Good News Lever to spark interest and action
Gardens for Growing
Gardens for Growing, a project of Child Advocacy 360 Foundation, is a virtual community garden where every flower you plant helps to improve the lives of disadvantaged children and youth from 'Inner City' America. Donate $5 or more to plant a flower or build a gazebo. One hundred percent of your donation helps to sustain the non profit Earth School program at Hanover Hill Farm in Westchester County, New York, founded and directed by educator Barbara Sarbin for the past 12 years.
