Remembering Oklahoma children killed because of abuse and neglect

A record high number of Oklahoma children have been killed because of abuse and neglect. The number of child abuse deaths almost doubled last year, bringing the death toll to 51 children in 2004. In

Thursday, July 21st 2005, 12:08 pm

By: News On 6

A record high number of Oklahoma children have been killed because of abuse and neglect. The number of child abuse deaths almost doubled last year, bringing the death toll to 51 children in 2004. In 2003, 27 children died from abuse and neglect.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services says that makes 2004 the deadliest year for children in Oklahoma since 1990. DHS also reports 42 children were nearly killed as a result of child abuse and neglect.

Dozens of folks gathered Thursday at the Parent and Child Center of Tulsa to remember last year's child abuse victims. They tied 51 blue ribbons and hung 51 pairs of empty baby shoes to represent the lives lost.

The center's executive director, Claudette Selph, says the drastic jump in child abuse deaths comes as funding for the agency continues to decline. "It is shameful that Oklahoma doesnâ€™t fund comprehensive child abuse prevention services across this state. Two vital programs that provide child abuse prevention services have been cut since 2001.â€