Public Taxing And Giving

To the Editor:

Thanks to The Newtown Bee for highlighting An Act Concerning State Investment in Prevention in its back-to-school issue. Connecticut may be the first state to adopt such an act, but others will soon follow; all surveys and statistics point to spending more taxpayer money on prevention policies so we can spend less on “reactive” measures such as prisons and juvenile protection.

Of course, the greatest benefit of investing in prevention accrues to our children. Everyone benefits from young people who are healthy, safe (even at home), and engaged in life — but they most of all!

I am thrilled that “every dollar invested in a tested home visitation model for high-risk families yields $6.12 in monetary benefits to the state.” It is the best possible news that “every dollar spent on quality after-school programs produces a return on investment ranging from $2.19 to $3.22.” The news is welcome because I am a taxpayer, but also because this act may help to focus public giving as well as taxing.

In Newtown, there are already many initiatives in progress to help prevent childhood abuse, abandonment, neglect, unsafe behavior, and criminal activity. For instance, the Parent Connection is hosting a Family Fun night in mid-September to remind families that hanging out together prevents problems. The Family Counseling Center runs a “Strengthening Families” program for families with fifth and sixth grade students to help them solve problems and build communication with young people on the verge of the teen years — before most risky behaviors start. Newtown Youth Services recently started a support group (among many that they sponsor) for grandparents who are raising their own grandchildren to help them solve problems that impact children growing up with absent parents. Our schools, coaches, and youth officers are working as hard as they can to support the families of Newtown in their most important work of childrearing. And the federal government has given this town the funds for our Prevention Council, which brings all these agencies and more together in the “fight” to raise productive, healthy citizens.

When you think of giving back to your community on behalf of young people, think “prevention” as much as you can. It isn’t as visible or as immediately compelling as crisis intervention, but statistics say it brings a great return on investment.

Joy Kopesky

30 Parmalee Hill Road, Newtown                             August 29, 2006