Letter to the Editor: Support local children in need
To the Editor:
Kids Count presented its annual data in Feb. 2015, for child and family well-being in Michigan. Child poverty actually worsened in Michigan during the economic recovery. Within the last six years, there has been a 36 percent increase of child poverty in Michigan. Today, one of every four children in Michigan are living in poverty. That is over half a million Michigan children.
According to the Center on the Developing Child, “A vital and productive society with a prosperous and sustainable future is built on a foundation of healthy child development." Exciting new research in brain development has found early experiences starting prenatally will make changes in gene expressions, as vital organs and the brain are in development. This means our earliest experiences will affect how sturdy our brains are wired, which means in loving and quality environments our brains will be built with quality hard wiring, as opposed to those who live in stressful or adverse environments that represent life in poverty such as toxins, drugs, infections of the mother or domestic violence. These adverse experiences cause genes to turn on or off, thus effecting a young child’s DNA and causing lifelong effects on mental health, physical health, and ability to advance in school.
Science based research should be linked to policy that supports the well-being our Michigan’s Children. When poverty rates go up, so do the rates in child abuse and neglect. This number has increased 41 percent in only the last six years with roughly 200,000 families being investigated for abuse and neglect in 2013, according to the Kids Count data base.
What can we do? I would write to Gov. Rick Snyder or vote for any provisions for Head Start programs or policies aimed at early childhood brain development or to provide tax relief for low income families.
For a grassroots student-run ideas, I would look for ways to donate to local Head Starts which serve preschool children who are low income. Many students are provided internships at these schools. Children are always in need of snow pants, mittens, hats and gloves. These items are now on clearance up to 50-75 percent off in many local department stores. I am sure they would appreciate any assistance to help provide for low income children. So, if any motivated students looking for social justice efforts, you don’t have far to look to Gratiot, Clare or Isabella Head Starts.
TAMMY VAN SICKLE
Senior
Alma
