DHR brings awareness to abuse

By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Franklin County Department of Human Services held a special service to bring awareness to the problem of child abuse Friday morning.
DHR Director Jerry Groce welcomed groups of local leaders and community at the event.
Leaders who attended included District Judge Paula McDowell, Circuit Judge Terry Dempsey, Probate Judge Barry Moore, District Attorney Joey Rushing, Russellville Mayor Troy Oliver, Russellville schools Superintendent Don Cox, Commissioner Greg Smith and Commissioner Don Hastings.
"Nothing makes my blood boil more than child abuse," Hastings said.
Each leader was given the opportunity to express how child abuse has affected Franklin County, and each speaker echoed the message that child abuse is not acceptable.
"Societies are judged by the way they care for their most helpless," Dempsey said. "Our children and senior citizens are our most vulnerable."
Rushing echoed Dempsey's sentiments that child abuse will not be tolerated in this county, but he also asked that parents be aware that 90 percent of the time it's a relative or caregiver who is the abuser, whether it is some kind of sexual or physical abuse.
"In actuality, parents and relatives are hurting our children," Rushing said. "I ask that all parents take a few minutes and calm down when dealing with stressful situations. It could make all the difference."
Rushing also talked about the child endangerment cases in 2008. Franklin County had 25 separate cases of child endangerment where children were around elements or working methamphetamine labs.
"Considering Franklin County is a small county, that's a lot of child endangerment cases," Rushing said.
"Those [child abuse, neglect and endangerment cases] are the kinds of cases we like to send a message that child abuse is unacceptable."
Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow said he is proud of the work done at DHR, and thanked them for their dedication to keeping children safe.
"I'm proud of what DHR does. We have something to be proud of here," Morrow said. I'm so proud of Franklin and Colbert County DHR."
After the program, balloons were released in front of the DHR building in hopes to bring awareness of child abuse.
Blue ribbons were distributed to all those who attended the program to wear in observance of Child Abuse Awareness Month in April.