Child abuse is taking place at alarmingly high rates throughout the United States.  In 2007 alone, nearly 3.2 million child abuse reports and allegations were made and what is more, nearly five children die a day from it. The consequences of child abuse cases and those that go unreported are grave, not only for the individual, but for the economy and society as a whole. Victims suffer serious psychological and emotional distress often leading to detrimental behavior through school age years.  What is more, a substantial portion of incarcerated men and women in the US juvenile and detention centers have suffered from this fate and in turn have an abysmal impact on society.

With this said, the response to such patterns has raised up a variety of institutions to help identify the problems and offer solutions.  One in particular has attracted our attention as it continues in the lead of service to those in need. In 1959, Sara O’Meara and Yvonne Fedderson, founded Childhelp®, the leading national nonprofit organization focused on prevention, treatment, advocacy and education of child abuse.  It believes firmly that love is the foundation on which every child should be brought up and that every child deserves the best of life to reach full potential.  By fostering children in this type of environment the effects of child abuse are distilled and trust can be reestablished, healing the child and in turn enabling him to live more effectively in society.

With this beautiful mission, the organization is announcing its 50Th anniversary in exemplary service and education in child abuse.  It is proud of its achievements and even the nation can offer up its praises for the multifaceted and broad spectrum of programming it has offered over the years.  Its thorough approach is one of a kind and has led many thousands of individuals to the help and resources necessary to combat child abuse.

Childhelp offers more programming and solutions to child abuse than any agency of its kind and with locations in most of the capital centers in the United States, Childhelp has revolutionized service to those in need.  Among its most highly touted services includes The Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hot-line at 1-800-4-A-CHILD, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, receiving calls from throughout the United States, Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam.  Accepting nearly 200,000 calls per year, the call center even offers translations in up to 140 different languages and immediate solutions and resources including referrals and literature to thousands of emergency, social service and support resources.

In addition to its 24 hour operation, Childhelp also offers group social service, prosecution, medical professionals and crisis counselors under one heading to investigate the issues of child abuse with greater precision. Its elementary and education programs use animal-assisted, music and other therapies to serve youth more effectively and its residential and advocacy centers focus on cutting edge solutions to child abuse.

It is fair to say that Childhelp is worthy of honor for its 50 years of service to the cause and we are proud to represent and support the mission that they have so successfully committed themselves to changing. If you are interested in volunteering, donating with or learning more about Childhelp’s programs and services, feel free to contact Martha Davis at 1-800-790-2245 or mdavis@childhelp.org.  Students who would like to sign up for volunteering and make a difference should visit the website and fill in the required forms to become a part of the movement.