Speaking up for kids hard – but necessary

The story of 3-month-old Jayniah Watkins fills all of us with incredible sadness.

Our hearts go out to Jayniah's family, to those who were involved with her and to those who tried to help this family recently and in the past.

So many in our community feel heartbroken when they learn of tragedies involving our children. When we realize that parents may have failed to protect their children, or even violently attacked them, shock, horror and disbelief are common reactions.

There is a disconnect between what is needed in our mental health, substance abuse treatment and child protection systems, and the funding available to make them possible.

And that's a challenge for our community that needs to be faced.

But no system, no matter how well it functions, can take the place of each of us committing to be active bystanders.

Family members, neighbors and friends who seek intervention for a parent in crisis sometimes face a terrible reaction.

They are often blamed. In the cocoons of our families, this can be seen as a betrayal.

So all too often, no one speaks up and insists on intervention. Everyone hopes that someone else will do it. Many don't realize they can made an anonymous call to 241-KIDS if they have any concerns about a child's care. Some become frustrated with the reaction of an overburdened, under-resourced system and don't call again – even when their concerns remain.

It can be hard to speak up for a child.

But it is absolutely worth it – for generations to come.

Tracy Cook, executive director, ProKids