Yakima’s Top Cops Say Child Abuse

Linked to Future Crime

Sheriff, police chief say home visits can cut child abuse and neglect by half,

reduce juvenile crime

YAKIMA, WASH. – Law enforcement brass will hold a press conference on Tuesday, July 27 to raise awareness about the connection between child abuse and neglect and juvenile crime. Yakima Chief of Police Sam Granato and Sheriff Ken Irwin will release a report showing that thousands of Washington kids become victims of child abuse and neglect every year.

The report will also show that voluntary home visiting programs can cut child abuse and neglect by half and significantly reduce later crime. Chief Granato and Sheriff Irwin will call on state lawmakers and the Governor to continue Washington’s investment in voluntary home-visiting and pursue new federal funding for these services as an effective way to curb child abuse and improve public safety.

WHO:               Yakima Chief of Police Sam Granato

Yakima County Sheriff Ken Irwin

Laura Wells, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Washington Director

Diane Patterson, Children’s Village Director

Teresa White, Registered Nurse and Home Visitor

WHAT:              News Conference

WHEN:             10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2010

WHERE:           Children’s Village

3801 Kern Way

Yakima, WA

Phone: (509) 574-3200

VISUALS:         Law enforcement in uniform

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Information about this link:  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a new website called Healthcare.gov.  This new tool lets consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to information about quality, affordable health care coverage.  HealthCare.gov is the first central database of health coverage options– from Medicare to the Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plan.  There is also a section just for people with disabilities.

Guest Services offers resources for a smooth arrival, stay and departure from Seattle Children’s.  Staff partner with families to help make coming to the hospital less stressful. Some of the activities Staff can assist with  include:

• transportation
• housing
• information to help you prepare for your child’s visit
• directions to the hospital

Seattle Children’s assists families with plans so parents can focus on the child’s care.

Yakima, WA – April is Autism Awareness Month and The Autism Oversight Committee of Central Washington and Children’s Village are hosting a free collaborative community fair at Children’s Village on April 17^th from noon – 2:00 p.m.  The collaborative community fair is an opportunity to raise awareness of the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in our community and emphasize the need to increase support for Children with ASDs.

What: Collaborative Community Fair for Autism Awareness

When: Saturday, April 17 from noon- 2 p.m.

Where: Children’s Village

Why: Autism Awareness Month

ASDs are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause social, communication and behavioral challenges.  The CDC estimates that one in every 110 children has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.  ASDs are classified as “spectrum disorders” because they affect each person in a different way, and can range from very mild to severe.

“Our goal with this event is education and highlighting the work that our community is doing-working together to provide support and effective services to children on the autism spectrum and their families,” says Diane Patterson, Director of Children’s Village.  “Each day there are new advances in the area of autism research and as a community we want to support children with autism to achieve their hopes and dreams.”

The community event will represent the prevalence of Autism in our society with a visual display of one in 110 balloons.  Families and others can connect and learn more from other parents raising children with Autism.  It’s also an opportunity to find out more about how the Children’s Village expansion will offer more opportunities to serve children with autism.  Onyx salon will be offering $10 blue hair extensions with proceeds going to support the expansion campaign. Face painting and snacks will also be provided throughout the event.

About Children’s Village

Children’s Village is a unique partnership that resulted from a community vision for easily accessible, comprehensive, collaborative health, education and social services for children with special health care needs.  Since Children’s Village opened its doors in October 1997, it has transformed from being just a building into a philosophy of care for our Valley’s children.  Over the past decade, 16,000 children and their families have received services, support and care through Children’s Village in Yakima and Sunnyside.  For more information or to schedule a tour, call (509) 574-3200 or visit www.yakimachildrensvillage.org.

View:

http://www.selahnews.com/articles/1562/1/Kids-on-the-Block-comes-to-Selah/Page1.html