Youth converge for Hands Around the Courthouse
They could have held hands around the courthouse this year, but instead walked around it with police blocking traffic as the parade of East Side Pupils crossed Poplar Street.
Saline County Court Appointed Special Advocates hold the Hands Around the Courthouse during April, Child Abuse Prevention Month. The youth were in good spirits. They got a small field trip, getting to walk a few blocks in the sunshine. Harrisburg Police blocked the streets to ensure their safe passage and though traffic was at a halt for blocks each direction on Poplar Street, there were no impatient honks.
The children joined the CASA volunteers, law enforcement and social service workers at the north courthouse entrance and grew quiet as they heard some sobering news.
CASA is an organization that represents the interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the court system. And there are more than many might think in the county.
CASA Director Trina Irwin invited Saline County Judge Todd Lambert to explain.
"We do this on Tuesday because that's the day in Saline County every week we address child abuse. It's unfortunate we have to set aside a day every week for this issue," Lambert said.
Lambert said child abuse happens every six seconds and the United States has the worst record of instances of child abuse of any country in the world. Lambert is optimistic the cycle can be broken.
"My challenge to you this year is try to do one thing to help prevent child abuse," Lambert said.
Whether that be acting as a mentor for a child, a friend to a parent who may be having a problem or a child reporting an instance of abuse, all can help.
"One thing over the next year can make a big difference in the community and then maybe we don't have to be here any more," Lambert said.
Mayor Dale Fowler echoed Lambert's challenge and encouraged the youth to report violence to teachers, social workers or school principal.
"Everyone, especially our children in our community is so important to us," Fowler said.