FPS staff report
July 3, 2012
Concerned Citizens for Children at Risk will have a support meeting for all parents, grandparents, and gaurdians July 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Chairman Debbie Abright’s home, For more information, call 330-627-0122 or 330-312-5535.
The group held a brainstorming session June 21. “We see a need for the support group, parents are feeling very much alone. They feel judged and need to talk to other people who are going through or have gone through the same thing,” Albright said.
The group is open to parents of children who are not in the system but might be seeing the start of a problem and need advice.
“Our number one goal is to empower parents and get protection for families who are doing the right thing,” noted Albright.
A follow up meeting for people who are concerned as to the state of our youth will be held July 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Albright is hoping to see more community leaders, probation department personnel, and church leaders.
“We feel churches play an important role within the community and this is an important outreach,” stated Albright. “We are having trouble finding volunteers and are begging people to come and help with the youth. Even if you only have a couple hours a month to donate, we need you.”
The group has chosen a tentative agenda to begin working on. This agenda includes:
1) Continue to try and discuss our concerns with the Juvenile Probation Dept.; 2) Meet with school board, and county prosecutors; 3) Continue to try and get churches involved; 4) Support family members and find ways to protect families who are doing right; 5) Work with professionals and the community to develop ways for prevention, better enforcement, and empowerment of parents, so children don’t become part of the system; and 6) Discuss ways for fundraising to develop a plan for a community center for youth with an after school and summer program. |
