They are infants, toddlers and children below 12 years of age. They are daughters and sons, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. They are our neighbor’s children and our children’s classmates.
More than 2,300 of them live within the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Marion, Lake, Sumter, Citrus and Hernando counties – yet, the majority of us are unaware of their plight.
In April, we pause to recognize National Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month. Banners will be hung, blue ribbons will be worn and pinwheels will be strategically placed in highly visible areas.
Local governments will make proclamations of support for the work being done on behalf of these children and local media outlets will cover the story.
If we’re lucky, we’ll experience a momentary surge of inquiries from people who ask, “What can I do, how may I help.”
The problem is there are another 11 months in the year, and national statistics show a child abuse report is made every 10 seconds, with nearly 50 percent of these reports resulting in an investigation.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adverse childhood experiences impact one’s long-term health. Childhood trauma – regularly being hit, belittled or witnessing domestic violence – physically harms the body and brain for a lifetime.
Individuals exposed to six or more adverse childhood experiences have an average life expectancy that is two decades shorter than those who reported none. Physical disease, mental health, addiction disorders and quality of life issues all ARE linked to the presence of early childhood trauma.
We are deeply grateful for the nearly 600 Guardian ad Litem volunteers in the Fifth Judicial Circuit who represent more than 83 percent of the children we serve, and to our many donors and community partners. But unfortunately, we can’t keep up with the demand for services. There are currently 728 abused and neglected children whose cases are involved with our local courts who are without a Guardian ad Litem volunteer.
So how can you help? You can take action. Become a Guardian ad Litem volunteer and serve as a community and courtroom child advocate. Join Voices For Children of North Central Florida Inc., to participate in fundraising activities that provide for the essential needs of children served by the Guardian ad Litem Program. Volunteer for special projects or donate services.
Become familiar with the face of child abuse. Make a difference in the life of a child and your community. Join us by calling (352) 817-1546 or visiting www.guardianadlitem5.org.
Marcia Hilty is the circuit director of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program.
