|
Opinion
Help
for abused children in S. C. must be restored
December
31, 2003
One
of the worst and saddest things that occurs in our “civilized”
society is the abuse of children, and South Carolina,
unfortunately, has its share.
That’s true for all abused
children, of course, but it’s particularly and unnecessarily
cruel for those who have nobody to help them or to overcome
the odds they face within the system.
In today’s world, too
many children are physically and mentally abused. That’s an
indictment of all of us. When we fail to do anything about it,
that constitutes a dereliction of our duty as God-fearing,
caring people.
At a time in history when there are so many
runaway parents, there are, naturally, more children who need
our help.
THERE ARE, OF COURSE,
people and organizations that do everything they can to help
children who need someone. The guardian ad litem program, for
example, is one that has proved its mettle. It provides
volunteer representation of children in Family Court in cases
that involve abuse and neglect.
Now, though, that program
faces extinction because the funds to keep it working are
running out. Money to run the program was going to run out in
January, but Governor Mark Sanford’s office found federal
grant funds to keep the program afloat until June. After that,
there’s nothing ….. unless the state Legislature comes up with
new funding.
Everyone in the state is aware of the budget
problems that have made all state agencies tighten their
belts. From all appearances, more budget cuts may become
necessary this year, so the problems haven’t yet been
solved.
THAT MEANS, NO DOUBT, that
guardian ad litem funding will be squeezed one more time. It
means that more children who need the representation may not
get it ….. and where they go from there would not be very
promising.
“I know I will make a strong effort to put
funding back in (for the guardian ad litem program),” said
Sen. Wes Hayes, R-Rock Hill. Finding the money, though, Hayes
said, “is easier said than done.”
That, no doubt, is true.
The money must be found to help children in Family Courts,
though. It’s not fair, or “civilized,” to take children who
have been abused and then abuse them one more time in the
courts.
Every lawmaker, Democrat and Republican alike,
should make it a point to work to keep the guardian ad litem
program viable. Spending priorities have to be set, sure, but
this should be one of the priorities.
Editorial expression in this feature represents
our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.
| | |
|
|
| | |
|
|
