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United
Way is
focusing on child abuse and neglect. On average, one abused
child dies every month in Tarrant County. There are more than
17,000 reports of child abuse or neglect in the county every
year. Many instances probably are never
reported. More and more grandparents are raising their
grandchildren because of family problems such as drug
addiction or divorce, but without legal custody, they can't
get medical care for their grandchildren or enroll them in
school.
United Way has
brought
together
national
experts and representatives of local organizations to create a
strategic plan that will integrate the county's public and
private child protection services over the next 5 to 10 years.
At the same time, United Way and its community partners are
working with local organizations to
train professionals to recognize abuse,
teach parents appropriate parenting skills and counsel victims
of abuse. They also have:
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Hired a private investigator to find missing
families reported for abuse and neglect.
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Opened a clinic to provide legal and social
services for neglected and abused children.
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Provided
support groups and training for people who have taken on the
responsibility of caring for children of relatives.
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Brought
together law enforcement, school and human service
professionals to jointly help children who may have been
harmed by witnessing domestic violence.
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Taught more than 82,000 children how to
recognize sexual abuse and what to do if threatened or
sexually abused.
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Created a public awareness campaign (www.dontturnaway.org)
encouraging people to make Tarrant County a safer place for
children.
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Provided child care, counseling and other support services to
stabilize and strengthen families reported for neglect.
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Helped
young, first-time mothers become capable parents through
in-home visits and support services.
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Educated
high school students about child abuse and how to resolve
conflicts, make decisions and choose relationships in
healthy ways.
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Helped
abuse victims prepare for trial.
Child Abuse and Neglect 2007 Community
Assessment Update
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