In Good Hands, if They Weren't Tied

Are we in Indiana proud of ourselves for taking $180 million dollars from programs to help troubled children and putting them into the general fund? Or even worse, giving so much power to the Indiana Department of Child Services that the system has been left in shambles because of the bureaucracy and red tape required by the DOC?

It was a privilege to be able to attend a legislative forum focusing on child and family system issues yesterday. The forum included Senators Mishler and Yoder, as well as State Representatives Culver and Wesco. This meeting was held by the Elkhart County Child and Family Roundtable.

I'm not writing on this issue to discuss all the details of this troubling issue. What I really want to write about is what impressed me the most in this meeting.

I was sincerely touched by the sheer emotions displayed by the leadership of the Elkhart County Judicial system, as well as private youth service providers.

Magistrate Deborah Domine opened the meeting with introductions and was the first speaker. She was not only emotional, but at one point it appeared to me she was about to cry. Candy Yoder of Child and Parent Services (CAPS) too was very emotional and inspirational in her devotion to children's programs. Don Phillips (President/ CEO of Bashor Children's Home), was very terse in his words. As he mentioned in the article in the link below this paragraph, “If you’re going to tie my wallet, don’t tie my hands, too.” Another statement Mr. Phillips made was, "I was always taught since a young boy to leave things in better shape than when you found it." His concern is that right now children's services in Elkhart County are in the worst shape in the 30 years he's worked in the system, because of the legislation. Children are sometimes abused, neglected, or medically fragile. At times they need a new family that will love and nourish them during rehabilitation. DCS has a domestic violence screening process in place that can be reached by either professionals, non-professionals or even an anonymous caller. The screeners have been known to reject a doctor and even a police officer's report concerning child abuse. If they won't accept a professional's word, what do they do for an anonymous caller or regular citizen? That's pretty scary for children.

ETruth article: "Restore Control"

It was very evident that those who participate in this monthly roundtable truly have a love for helping children. Sometimes children start out their lives in the wrong hands. After attending this meeting, and watching and listening to the intelligence and concern of these leaders, I'm certain that the children of Elkhart County are in the right hands, but as Mr. Phillips stated, they're hands have been tied.

Maybe a few of us 'regular' citizens can help get them untied.

Now they're in OUR hands.
(Mat 18:5 KJV) And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Daniel Criss
President/Founder
Life Achievement Services, Inc.