On Friday, April 14th at noon, as they had done for years prior, members of Creek County CASA, Youth Services of Creek County and others gathered outside the Creek County Courthouse lawn to talk about a topic that nobody really wants to: child abuse.
In recognition of the 142 children in Creek County currently placed in DHS custody, an equal number of spinning blue pinwheels were placed in the lawn to serve as a reminder to acknowledge and prevent child abuse wherever it may be found.
“Child abuse prevention should always be our primary focus,” said State Representative Mark Lawson, who was present at the ceremony and one of the speakers. “Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, Oklahoma children still suffer from neglect and abuse. In these unfortunate circumstances, I am eternally grateful for the group of people we have here in Creek County.”
Lawson serves as the Chairman for Appropriations & Budget for Human Services in the House of Representatives, where he frequently hears what he calls “heartbreaking stories” about child abuse and neglect from across the state. “I’ve come to realize just how lucky we are in Creek County compared to other counties,” he said. “From top to bottom, our advocates, foster families, case workers, judges, law enforcement, attorneys, and youth services agencies work so well together in the best interest of children. Not all counties can say the same.”
Judge Laura Farris also spoke at the ceremony before the planting of the pinwheels. She lamented about the need for more foster homes and advocates in Creek County. When there are no fostering options in the county, children in DHS custody may need to be placed in a completely different county to provide adequate shelter.
“Imagine losing your family, your home, your school, and your familiar town all at once,” Farris said. “Local foster families serve such an important role in preventing these painful losses for the most vulnerable children in the community.”
Farris said she’s pushing for a more widespread adoption of fostering advocacy and hopes to see an increase in the number of foster parents and others willing to get involved.
“This year we hope to get the word out to the community about the need for foster homes and the resources available to make it easier on families to bring children into their homes. Creek County children should have the opportunity to remain in their community with a safe and loving family whenever possible.”
