Unfortunately, child abuse and neglect is growing in the Capitol area.

In 2015 in Ingham County, nearly one in six children live in families that came to the attention of Child Protective Services and have been investigated for abuse or neglect; in Eaton, nearly that many – 13 percent of all the county’s children.

And for a growing number of children and youth in our communities, that investigation uncovers child abuse or neglect.

Confirmed maltreatment typically results from parents who struggle to adequately provide for their children physically, mentally, developmentally and emotionally, and the vast majority of cases are due to neglect.

Michigan’s Children has long known that supporting parents with the tools they need to provide a nurturing and safe home builds the foundation for their children’s future success. Supports like home visiting programs and other child abuse prevention programs give parents the tools they need while saving taxpayer dollars.

Child abuse and neglect are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), identified by the CDC as contributing to a variety of poor outcomes including costly future health problems.

To continue reading this op-ed by Bill Frysinger, owner of Frysinger Printing Solutions in Lansing and president of the Exchange Club of Greater Lansing, go to: http://www.lansingstatejournal...am-county/100990250/