I constantly get email and text messages from family and friends on things that happen in the news.  Some of what I receive is painful yet…  They send me these types of stories not because they’re cruel, but they know the parent and child advocate in me rules and will keep working to do something about it.  (Justice and judgment are not my calling; my focus is on solutions for children, victims and families.)

Before I give you the stories that made my ponytail rise let’s just say, if I had a million dollars I’d open a licensed 24-hour child respite care center, free of charge, for any child in crisis (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, etc.).  The center would give parents support, connect them with community partners (resources) and provide them with opportunities (tools) to learn and grow.

The question is not can these types of programs succeed but it’s more about sustainability; how could we keep the doors open, provide a meaningful service and pay staff so they can adequately provide for their families?  I’ve been a director for programs that were free to parents; I know they work.

So… if I ever get that $1M, I have a plan…!  I’d have a team and hire others who want to help solve a few problems that already exist.

But with solutions temporarily aside, here are a few stories that broke my heart:

-Toddler Left Alone at Home Dies in Fire, Body Found Under Bed; Mom Was ‘Out with Friends’ (Fox 40 Sacramento)

-Mother charged with child neglect after daughter allegedly left alone in burning home (Miami Herald)

-Dad accused of leaving sons in freezing car to watch football (CBS News, Crimesider)

Now back to the solutions:

• Lessons to learn from another tragic case

• Resource Page (National & Missouri)

© CJ Spencer, 2016

If you were given $1M to provide a positive solution, product or service for children and families, what would that be?

(In my everyday life I hear and still see children and families fall into crisis… so positive solutions and comments welcome and appreciated.)

Stuffed bear in a wicker chair image by © Photoeye.