To the editor:

We all want children to be safe and have healthy childhood experiences. However, an increasing number of children are exposed to intensive stress — including child abuse and neglect — that can be devastating to child development and have lifelong consequences. Programs and strategies like home visiting, parent education, mental health services, availability of affordable day care and substance abuse treatment all aid in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

As our nation recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, our hope is for all individuals to play a role in making Kansas a better place for children and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can strengthen families and the communities they live in.

One simple, outward sign is to wear a blue ribbon. You can get your free ribbon, and learn more about prevention efforts, by visiting the Kansas Children’s Service League’s website at www.kcsl.org or calling the Parent Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN. Blue ribbons are also available in the Douglas County CASA office at 1009 N.H., Suite B (www.dccasa.org).

Our CASA volunteers served 77 abused and neglected children in 2010, and more children are waiting for our help. We encourage everyone to join community and national efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.