April 8 is Texas Go Blue Day

GLYNIS CRAWFORD SMITH

THE HIGHLANDER

Texas is going blue on Friday, April 8—Texas Go Blue Day—to be followed April 24 with Blue Sunday.

The Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards and its member board in Burnet County are observing Texas Go Blue Day in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and thousands of Texans are wearing the official color of prevention to show their support for the protection of the state's children.

“No one likes to think that it happens in their town, but it does, said Caroline Ragsdill, president of the Burnet County Child Welfare Board (CWB). “Burnet County is no exception when it comes to child abuse.

“Just last year, Burnet County had 153 confirmed victims of child abuse. These children were removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect and placed in foster care. Some 367 cases were investigated and either ruled out or caseworkers were able to work with the family in providing a safe home for their children while they remained in the home.”

The board and representatives of Court Appointed Special Advocates for the Highland Lakes, the Hill Country Children's Advocacy Center (HCCAC) will Burnet County Commissioners Court will recognize local efforts in their meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, in the Burnet County Courthouse. As with city council meetings around the county, they will be sharing their message and accepting proclamations of support. They coordinate with Child Protective Services (CPS) and represent some of the most committed volunteers in the county focused on children.

“We begin the process (of intervention),” Pam Rodgers, volunteer coordinator for the HCCAC, told the Marble Falls City Council Tuesday, April 5. “We have forensic interviewers and family counselors.”

In addition to Burnet County, the HCCAC combines resources with Llano, Blanco, Lampasas, Mason, and San Saba counties to improve community response to child abuse. This research identified Children’s Advocacy Centers as the primary strategy to correct the inconsistencies in investigations and to stop re-victimization of the child by the very agencies responsible for protecting the child. The center operates the Sunshine House, a facility with child-friendly play, interview and observation rooms, a medical exam room with clouds and cherubs painted on the ceiling, along with rooms for staff and volunteers, for training and conferences.

CASA provides volunteers to champion children the courts and the CWB works for their physical wellbeing. The board is appointed by the commissioners court and receives some financial support from them, but depend on volunteers and donations for the many instances when they provide provisions for children separated from home. That includes items of comfort, clothing when needed, birthday and Christmas gifts.

CWB members include Ragsdill; Marshal Neel, treasurer; Jan Friberg, vice president; Barbara McBride, secretary, and members Carolyn Beck, Sue Brunson, Jan Graves, Coleen Gregg, B.J. Henry, Karon Justice, Martha Mezger and Joe Urias.
“This is a serious matter and one we should all be aware of,” said Ragsdill. “If you suspect abuse or neglect, you have a duty to report it. You can do so anonymously by calling 800-252-5400.”

“We are encouraging people to wear a blue ribbon or blue shirt for the April 8—Texas Go Blue Day—to increase awareness and prevention. April 24 is Blue Sunday and we are encouraging area churches to include something about child abuse awareness and prevention in their bulletins. We have information churches can use.”

That information is available from Ragsdill by email at cragsdill@wildblue.net.

“ It's all about building community awareness,” she said. “After all, 'It shouldn't hurt to be a child'.” For more information or to learn how you can help, go online to preventchildabuse.org, highlandlakescasa.com, or hccac.org.

Go Blue Day began in 1989 when a grandmother from Virginia began a blue ribbon campaign as a tribute to her grandson, a three-year old who died at the hands of his mother’s abusive boyfriend. Since that time, concerned citizens all over the country have worn blue as a symbol of the need to prevent child abuse and neglect.