ABUSE: Vigilance can help others

As a longtime foster mom, I was saddened to read about the twin girls found abused and neglected here in Coeur d'Alene. Unfortunately, it is a story I have become familiar with over the years I've fostered.

I have read of the generosity of people wanting to help these girls. I and others are wondering about the bank accounts being set up for them. Who exactly sets them up? Who monitors them? How do we know that the money goes to these girls and not mom, grandma or some other Johnny-come-lately? These little girls do not need to be victimized again.

I think the best thing we can do to help these babies, and the hundreds of other children in our area who are hungry, cold, abused and neglected, is to be ever vigilant. Don't walk by a window and wonder, don't see a child bruise and suspect. If you see a child flinch at a raised hand or cower at a loud voice, think! If it feels wrong it probably is. It took several calls for the police and Social Services before these girls were rescued from abuse. Make that call! Be their voice and you may be the next child's hero.

TERI HEINRICH

Coeur d'Alene