How to save our children.

• Author: Reno, Janet
• Position: The Young Desperadoes - Cover Story

EDUCATORS are focusing on children from Head Start through grade 12, while those in the juvenile justice system are concentrating on youth crime. Meanwhile, no one seems to be paying sufficient attention to the crucial years between birth and the age of three, the time that the family traditionally has borne sole responsibility for youngsters.

With families falling away from children, with the network and the fabric of their life disintegrating, it is time for other institutions to assume responsibility until the family can be restored around children. People must be informed that 50% of all learned human response occurs in the first year of life, that the concept of reward and punishment and a conscience is developed by the age of three.

A common sight in public housing developments is a two- or three-year-old wandering around without supervision. Nobody cares.

Why isn't this youngster in child care? Well, the mother is not working or looking for work. Meanwhile, the child has not been abused and/or neglected badly enough to be declared dependent and eligible for various social programs. The nation is being penny wise and pound foolish again.

The same thing with immunizations. It is possible to do so much if we invest in our children. Yet, if they do not have proper medical care and a solid education, they are going to be playing catch-up ball--if they ever can catch up.

It would be far wiser to do it right at the beginning. For example, we can encourage programs where people skilled in parenting can visit homes of children at risk and provide counseling.

I am reminded of the story heard from a public health nurse in Florida: "Thirty years ago, I'd knock on the door of this new mother, walk in, have a cup of coffee around the breakfast table, and talk to her about formula and nutrition and child care. And we'd have great visits. I'm afraid to go now."

There are so many people behind the doors of America who want to come out, who want to believe, who want to think that there can be a difference. When I served as State's Attorney in Florida, a team composed of a police officer, social worker, public health nurse, and community organizer helped make a difference.

When I first went to the development that team was focusing on, people looked at me blankly when they peered from behind the door. Then, they started coming out.

I made them no promises except that I would try my best to help them. Nevertheless, they began to believe that people...