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Conference on child abuse and neglect scheduled December 11 in Maryland
2002-264-5
11/20/2002
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[Episcopal News Service]
'The Faith Community's Response to Child Abuse and Neglect' is the focus for a major interfaith conference scheduled for December 11 at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center in Columbia, Maryland.
The conference is sponsored by the non-profit organization, Prevent Child Abuse Maryland, based in Annapolis, as well as representatives of various faith groups. A slate of speakers from professional and religious ranks will explore the many aspects of the issue, attempting to educate participants about the nature and complexity of the problem. The conference will also discuss current laws on reporting instances of abuse and create a report to be shared with others.
Commenting on the importance and value of the conference, Sherry McCall Ross, youth missioner in the Diocese of Maryland, said, 'Issues of child abuse are a reality in our world and must be acknowledged and understood in order for us to be intentional about generating a response. This conference will not only offer an understanding of the issues, but also provide resources to assist those designing and delivering program for children and youth in responding to their needs.'
Child abuse is a national problem. Each day in America, an average of 7,883 children are abused or neglected--and five of them die as a result. In the year 2000 three million referrals were made to the Children's Protective Services agencies throughout the country. Almost a third of investigations resulted in a finding that the child had been mistreated or faced a risk of being mistreated.
For more information contact Ross at 800-793-1687 or by e-mail at smccallross@ang-md.org.
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