Editor,

I wonder how much is a child's life worth in Oklahoma? It has saddened and disgusted me to hear of the death of the latest batch of children in our area. It would be easy to blame DHS or the police or other agencies. We must all ask ourselves what we can and will do when faced with the reality of child abuse. For those who don't know, there are several phone numbers in the front of your phone book. The Abuse and Neglect Hotline,child 825-3545 or 1-800-522-3511 after hours; locally, 342-0234; Adult protective services 825-4535 and many others you can find on the Internet. There is always 911 if you think a child or adult is in imminent danger. YOU may be the only one who will call, YOU may be the only one who cares, and YOU may be the only one who will take this small step to help a child.

It is no longer acceptable to use the excuse that "I shouldn't get involved" or "what if I am wrong"?

Another thing we need all do is let our elected officials know that we are no longer willing to let children be beaten to death. I have already written my letters and e-mails. It is so easy to do on the Internet, but they also take regular written letters, phone calls and faxes.

We say we care about children, but do we? Did you know that Oklahoma is number one in child abuse? A sad fact and nothing to be proud of. Another step that must be undertaken is education. It needs to be held in the schools because there aren't enough children who learn how to care about themselves or others at home. Let's not put another burden on our teachers; there will have to be specially trained people who conduct classes in the lower grades. If a child grows up with abuse there is a strong chance they will repeat the same behavior with their own children, so they must be taught. I certainly don't have all the answers, but together, or one-by-one we can at least decrease the incidence of child abuse and the severity. Yes, it all takes money, but again I ask, what is a child's life worth in Oklahoma?

Trudy Denis, Claremore

Rogers County needs child protective services

Editor,

The recent deaths of young children from abuse needs to bring a change in our system. We need information getting out in our state — be it county by county.

Let it be known that Rogers County is not going to let another child be hurt nor killed. We’re aware DHS is doing what they can but they’re only human and make mistakes.

We need to know how to get a separate branch from DHS that will deal only with child abuse. We need safehouses for the little ones.

I’m very active as a volunteer for Safenet Services and willing to pound the streets to help get a child protective services started here. People and our government need to work together to save the little ones.

Betty Lamar, Claremore