There are many parents that are not emotionally and/or financially prepared to take care of their new children. This often results in the neglect, abuse, and sometimes death of young infants and toddlers. These children are incredibly vulnerable but our society continues to lack proactive ways to ensure their safety. Instead, we are reactive and try to fix the situation only after we learn a child is being hurt.

I would like to propose required additional education be given to new parents before they are released from the hospital. This information should include the whereabouts of the closest safe haven boxes, the location of local safe houses to take children if in a crisis, a list of possible counselors to see if a parent feels they have increasing rage towards their child (or for any other relevant issue), a list of community outreach programs, any hotline numbers, etc. If this information stops even one parent from feeling like they have no choice but to harm their child and instead seek support, it is worth it. I have requested a meeting with Missouri Representative Billy Long to attempt to turn this idea into a law.