Child Welfare In Michigan

By Guest Columnist Lauren Hager, Former State Representative

You can open any newspaper and find an article highlighting the sad condition of Michigan's financial picture. Jobs are leaving our state, home foreclosures are on the rise, and the Big Three are facing record deficits. In addition to these glum news, our political leaders are having trouble agreeing how to address the financial crisis facing our state.

Often lost in the gloom and doom of Michigan's stumbling economy and the usual partisan bickering on how to solve the problem is the plight of our children. I speak of the precious kids who have experienced the horror of child abuse and neglect. These are kids who have never known the peace and security of a wholesome, loving and safe environment in which to grow and be nurtured.

Most of us would agree that children are our greatest natural resource. We believe that our country's future is in their hands. We're convinced that all kids count. We pull out all the stops to see that they enjoy every advantage.

Unfortunately, this doesn't hold true for all kids.

All across our state too many kids are living at risk. They are usually powerless to help themselves. Yes, the state has rules, regulations and procedures to help, but unfortunately there are holes in the safety nets that have been designed to protect them.

In the past few years the names of Brandon Eagle, Ariana Swinson, Ann Marie Shawley and Ricky Holland have screamed across the headlines of Michigan's newspapers. What do these little kids have in common? They represent many others who have experienced neglect, systematic torture and death at the hands of parents and other caregivers.

For example, two-year-old Ariana Swinson was brutally beaten and starved over a period of several months until her parents finally put her to death by drowning. When carried into Port Huron Hospital her right arm was broken. Bruises, fresh and old, covered her arms, legs, feet, back, chest and head. Ariana and her siblings had been under the supervision of the Family Independence Agency, now named the Department of Human Services. The system failed Ariana.

How can we as members of a civilized society allow these atrocities to happen? Are we doing all we can to prevent them? Do we care? I mean, really care?

Child advocates agree that the issues that put so many children in danger can be complex and overwhelming. However, that does not mean we give up on the situation. NO, quite the contrary. We as members of our society must be determined to be individually and collectively involved in assuring that every kid enjoys a childhood of love, safety and security.

All of us must be constantly vigilant about the welfare of children we see in our neighborhood, grocery store or mall, and even in our churches. Do they appear well nourished? Are there obvious cuts and bruises? Are there other telltale signs of abuse or neglect? Do not be hesitant to report any such suspicious clues.

While we must hold the Department of Human Services accountable for protecting children, we should, at the same time, encourage department personnel in the work they do. Their tasks are endless, emotionally draining and often thankless. They need our support.

In addition, contact your state lawmakers and share your concern with them. Encourage them to provide legislative oversight to the DHS. Let them know the importance you place on children's safety and welfare.

Remember, we as a society could very well be judged on how we care for our precious children.

Lauren M. Hager
Former State Representative