New license plates bring attention to child abuse

The colorful handprint on Janet Parker’s license plate is a reminder of children who face neglect and abuse, and that even while on the road there are things that can be done to help them.

Parker’s goal is to be there for children however she can. She is a 21-year board member of Brazoria County Child Protective Services, current chairwoman of the Region VI Child Protective Services board and longtime member of the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards.

She’s among the first in Texas to receive the Texas Council and Texas Department of Transportation “Stop Child Abuse” license plate. About 200 plates have been issued statewide so far in 2009, the first year they’ve been available.

“These license plates show that we’re not alone in the prevention of child abuse and neglect,” Parker said. “Every time you see one of these, it’s a reminder that someone else is out there helping.”

Parker is one of many volunteers who assist local and area youth services, giving their time, efforts and money to help pay for “extras” not budgeted for normal business, Child Protective Services spokeswoman Gwen Carter said.

“In every community, there’s a group of citizens who support our efforts to stop child abuse and neglect,” Carter said. “They are an important part of helping us.”

The specialty plates cost $30 more than the price of regular annual registration, Brazoria County Tax Assessor-Collector Ro’Vin Garrett said. Of that $30 payment, $18 goes to the child protective services department in the county in which the plate is purchased.

Forms to purchase the plates are available at www.texasonline.state.tx.us or at the tax assessor’s office, Garrett said.

The money helps pay for things like blue ribbons for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, teddy bears to make children feel less afraid when they’re forced from their homes and other items to make their lives easier, Brazoria County Family and Protective Services Program Director Peggy Gartman said.

“This is a difficult job, and it really means a lot to us to know there are people out there who support what we do,” Gartman said. “It means a lot for our staff and for the children.”

The plates are a way the general public can show that support and help pay for something that makes a difference, Carter said.“It’s an everyday reminder that it’s not just someone else’s issue, but a public issue,” she said. “It’s everybody’s problem.”