Officials Laud Efforts to Curb Child Abuse From the Benton County Daily Record
Officials Laud Efforts to Curb Child Abuse From the Benton County Daily Record
Bentonville, Apr 30 - As part of Child Abuse Awareness Month, a Step Up For Justice rally on the square Friday honored those in the county who work to prosecute people for committing crimes against children.
At the rally, Justice of the Peace Tim Summers read a proclamation signed by Judge Gary Black recognizing U.S. Attorney Bob Balfe for the work he did to fight child abuse as Benton County prosecuting attorney.
In 2001, Balfe secured a grant that allowed the county to hire a special child-abuse prosecutor. At the same time, the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County opened. With the help of law enforcement agencies and other children's organizations, the number of child abuse prosecutions has increased from an average of two before 2000 to more than 40 in 2004. "We celebrate what is taking place in Benton County in the sense that children are being protected," said Beverly Engle, director of the Children's Advocacy Center. "We are so thankful for what the county has achieved by working together."
Balfe gave credit to the deputy prosecutors who have served as child abuse prosecutors in Benton County. "They have put in many long hours and have the compassion and commitment it requires," he said. "It takes a special kind of person to hold this position." The current child-abuse prosecutor is Rachael Dockery. Candace Taylor and Shane Wilkinson have held the position in the past.
Robin Green replaced Balfe as Benton County prosecuting attorney in December. Green said the prosecutor's office will continue to hold child abusers accountable for their crimes.
Following two songs by the Elmwood Junior High Select Choir, Sallye Hof, president of the Board of Directors of Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County, introduced U.S. Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark.
Boozman has backed the Amber Bill, which allows law enforcement officials to issue alerts to help find abducted children. He also supported the Jessica Lunsford Act that requires states to keep closer tabs on convicted sex offenders who are not behind bars. Most recently, Boozman worked with U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., on a bill that would help children who are adversely affected by the illegal use and distribution of methamphetamine.
Boozman thanked child abuse prosecutors in Benton County who have worked to bring justice to child abuse victims. "I look at how hard you as a group have worked, and it has paid off," Boozman said. "I can't think of anything more noble than protecting children who can't protect themselves."
http://www.boozman.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=8112