Parent Stress

March 19, 2004–More than 3 children die every day in the United States, as a result of child abuse in the home. Childhelp USA reports that over 2.5 million children were involved in investigations into cases of child abuse and neglect last year and nearly one-half of the substantiated cases were associated with parental alcohol or drug abuse.

It is estimated that one in every four children in the United States (28 million) are living in a household with an alcoholic adult. More children (age four and younger) die from child abuse and neglect than any other single cause.

Concerned action can save these children. One concerned family and the persuasive pen of Jenny Good, the young author who penned the magical ?Harold the Elf? series of children?s books, saved one child from a life of neglect and abuse.

Steven, who assisted at a local community center, came into contact with a troubled teenage girl, who?s Mom was on pills and alcohol and was pregnant yet again. Steven helped as much as he could and once the baby was born he continued to keep an eye on the family.

All seemed to be going well, until one night he found the mother drunk and the baby dehydrated and malnourished ? he had not been fed for days. In desperation he removed the baby and called the police.

After a legal battle he was granted the right to foster David, but not to adopt him. His birth mother roller-coastered through rehab and from time to time would try to get David back, but Steven was determined to keep David safe and he fought all the way.

The major obstacle was a piece of legislation blocking the adoption. Steven knew he needed a strong weapon to fight this law in Congress. He had read the ?Harold? books and was impressed with the profound emotional impact they had on those who read them.

He approached Jenny Good and asked her to write David?s story in a way that would touch the hearts of legislators and get them to agree to change the law, allowing his family to adopt David and keep him safe.

Jenny spent days researching the story and then wrote a poignant story outlining the circumstances of David?s situation.

“AS the author of children’s books that teach kids to beleive in themselvesm David’s story really made an impact on me,” says Good. “I was determined that I could get others to see howimportant it is to keep our children safe and put their interests first.”

It worked. The Act of Congress that allowed David to be adopted by his foster parents was passed as a result of Jenny?s story ?Keeping David Safe?. And fittingly, it was passed on her 27th birthday!

The future of our country is in the hands of our children. But the future and the safety of our children is our responsibility. We can make a difference. Just as Jenny and Steven did, we can fight for the rights of our children and make sure each one of them is safe.

For more information on Jenny Good and the ?Harold? stories, visit www.jennygood.com