... a few years ago, I wanted to open a home for troubled girls-- help those who had been or were being abused to heal. As of late, this idea (not necessarily starting one, but perhaps supporting one) has been on my heart.

Here's something I saw on a website for a child abuse shelter's site::

Child abuse and neglect is reaching epidemic proportions with disastrous consequences. Judges, lawyers, physicians and other community professionals agree that tax dollars would be best spent preventing abuse and preserving families. Unfortunately, adequate resources have not been invested by state and Federal government to make significant prevention possible. One problem is that on both these levels the political constituency necessary to meet the needs of children has not been organized.

It is clear that children and families need advocates. They need a concerned body of individuals who are willing to champion their rights and fight for advances in services that benefit children.
They need you.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2003, approximately 906,000 children were victims and an estimated 1,500 children died of abuse or neglect.

Locally, according to Colorado Association of Family and Children's Agencies (CAFCA), children in Colorado desperately need protection and care. Recently released statistics from 2005 include:
In 2005, apporoximately 30,000 children were reported abused or neglected and referred for investigation in Colorado.
Out of that number, nearly 9,000 cases were substantiated or indicated as abused. Twenty-one percent suffered physical abuse, 46.6% neglect, 1.4% medical neglect, 11.5% sexual abuse, 5% psychological maltreatment and 18% other or unknown.
Boys and girls are equally likely to be abused or neglected.
Approximately 80% of child abuse is perpetrated by a parent or caregiver.
An average of 20 children in Colorado die from suspected abuse or neglect every year.
Children under the age of 4 account for 75% of all child abuse deaths.
Neglect occurs more frequently than abuse and can be equally damaging and deadly. 30% of all child fatalities are due to neglect.
11,927 children spent some portion of 2005 in substitute (foster) care .
Approximately 1,500 abused and neglected children receive intensive, rehabilitative mential health services in residential programs.
The majority of children in residential care have been victims of significant physical or sexual abuse.

For additional statistics on child abuse and neglect:

National
US Department of Health and Human Services - Administration for Children and Families
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Info
The National Incidence Study (NIS) is a congressionally mandated, periodic research effort to assess the incidence of child abuse and neglect in the United States.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Prevent Child Abuse America
Childhelp USA
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Child Welfare League of America

Local
Child Maltreatment Reports – This report summarizes child abuse statistics submitted by states to Colorado Department of Human Services


Mark 9:37-- Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

Life is weird sometimes.

The end.