Projectnola.com

November 9, 2010

New Orleans Law Enforcement Leaders Say

Child Abuse Linked to Future Crime

Police Superintendent, Sheriff, Assistant District Attorney say home visits needed to prevent child abuse, later crime; 27 kids abused or neglected every day

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Law enforcement leaders will hold a press conference on Tuesday to raise awareness about the connection between child abuse and neglect and juvenile crime. They will release a report showing that, on average, one child in Louisiana is abused or neglected every hour of every day.

The report will also show that high-quality voluntary home visiting programs can cut child abuse and neglect by as much as 50%, while also significantly reducing later crime and saving taxpayers dollars in the long run. The group will call on state lawmakers and the Governor to prioritize Louisiana’s investment in voluntary home visiting programs and pursue new federal funding for these services proven to curb child abuse and improve public safety.

WHO:               Superintendent Ronal W. Serpas, New Orleans Police Department
                        Marlin N. Gusman, Orleans Parish Sheriff

                        Barron Burmaster, Executive Assistant District Attorney, Jefferson Parish D.A.‘s Office

                        Cyndy Rees, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids

A Nurse-Family Partnership nurse who is an expert in the home visiting program and a New Orleans parent who has graduated from the program will also speak at the press conference. 

WHAT:              News Conference

WHEN:             10 a.m. CST

                        Tuesday, November 9, 2010

WHERE:           New Orleans Police Department

                        Fifth Floor Conference Room

                        New Orleans, Louisiana, 70119

VISUALS:         Law enforcement leaders in uniform

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