Legislators, children are counting on you

 

Pennsylvania still has no state budget, while the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community depend on it. Every day in Allegheny County someone makes a phone call to report suspected child abuse. Regardless of the case, we are fortunate to have a system set up to protect children, preserve families and ensure permanence and stability for the child. But these require resources from the state.

So while politicians posture, children who are in dangerous and deplorable situations are even more at risk. In this economy, the number of abuse cases continues to rise.

The kids are counting on us, the grown-ups, to step in between them and harm's way. Yet we continue to talk, to debate, to sit on opposite sides of an aisle and argue philosophical differences on the role and size of government in our commonwealth. That is not acceptable. Our kids need us today, and unless the money comes from Harrisburg, no one will be there to answer their calls for help.

As our legislators consider different versions of the budget, I ask that they remember that some young boy or girl in each and every county and district of this commonwealth is counting on them, today, to do something to keep them safe. These children couldn't vote for you, but right now they need your help. Figure out a way to give it to them.

AMY RASLEVICH
Executive Director
Child Watch of Pittsburgh
North Side