A Network Of Nurturing Families

To the Editor:

As a former child protection attorney prosecuting petitions of neglect and abuse for nine years, I saw first hand how poverty and a lack of support negatively impacted the well-being of children and how by the time a case comes to the court’s attention it is often too late, the damage is done. Although Newtown may seem sheltered from these issues, it is not and the costs of child neglect affects us all.

As a member of the Children’s Trust Fund Council, I have learned that the Nurturing Families Network, a home visiting program funded by the Children’s Trust Fund, is making a difference in preventing child abuse and neglect in our community and in communities across Connecticut by intervening early in a child’s life.

The Children’s Trust Fund, a state agency, was created by the legislature for the sole purpose of preventing child abuse and neglect. The Trust Fund supports local efforts that help families and communities to be responsive to children and to ensure their positive growth

The Nurturing Families Network is working to help parents to bond with their children, to become effective caregivers, and to take hold of their responsibilities. Studies of the program have shown that the risk of child abuse and neglect is far less than expected for children whose families participate in these programs.

We face a daunting challenge in reducing child abuse and neglect in the state of Connecticut. To address this challenge more effectively, we must move beyond traditional approaches. The home visiting approach under the Nurturing Families Network is a strategy that can help.

I hope that as the legislature develops its state plan to address the issue of child abuse and neglect that they will consider a key role for the Nurturing Families Network. By employing home visiting we have a better chance of keeping children safe in their homes and out the child protective system. I hope that concerned citizens will contact their legislators and let them know that measures that prevent child abuse and its costly impact on society are important to them.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Signorelli

18 Chimney Swift Road, Sandy Hook                       March 11, 2004