In Huntington County, the Roanoke Town Council president wasrecently charged with child battery for allegedly grabbing hisdaughter and inflicting bruises.
But Indiana's state legislators don't seem to be as concernedwith this case — and those like it — as they shouldbe.
In November 2002, the late Gov. Frank O'Bannon proposed thecreation of the Commission on Abused and Neglected Children andTheir Families, which met distinct approval from the IndianaGeneral Assembly. But since then, the commission has not receivedany state funds and has not met.
The commission was created to examine the state's childprotection system, which some state legislators and child advocatesargue needs quick redefinition.
Because an estimated 70 children — the highest number ever— died of abuse in Indiana in 2002, the commission has anobligation to urgently begin rebuilding Indiana's child protectionsystem.
An Indianapolis Star report showed Indiana's system did not meetfederal standards. Andrea Marshall, executive director of PreventChild Abuse Indiana said in the report that the state seems to doas little as possible to protect its children.
Rep. Dennis Avery (D-Evansville) said in the report, "I believechildren are dying as a result of laws that are not adequate."
The state's officials cannot continue to delay the examinationof its child protection system. Indiana needs to redefine its childprotection policies; Where many states require only a threat ofharm to confirm abuse, Indiana's authorities can't intervene untila child's physical or emotional condition is in serious danger.
The commission's first meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14, but itcan't afford to be satisfied with new attention or mere discussion.Indiana's children deserve its action.
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