HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0140.020 2000-2002 MRR-23-2001 13:20 FROM•HBH 808 934 8318 T0: 808 934 3403 P.002~002
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Hawaii Behavioral Health '
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P O Bat 10130 Tdephona (609) 936.7919
HOo, HMai 96721 r Ftac (909) 0066099
March 23, 2001
The Honorable Mayor Harry Klm
Members d the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hlb, Hawall 99749
Dear Mayor Kim and County Counal Members,
As the Executive Diroctor d Hawaii Behavioral Health, I would Ilke to urge your support d
courrty funding to cteab6 pettnaneM positrons for the Violena~ Against Children (VACA~ and d
the Prosewtor's Office
Hawaii Behavioral Hablth serves over 600 children annualy in the County d Hawaii providing a
comprehensive tango d mental heaNh serviaas. Unforturtetr~ly far too many d our ehlldron have
needs compounded by bang the vwrtims d violence. We have the expenerrce m know thetar-
resehing consequences of valence and trauma through a child's development. Often these
consequences aro demonstrated in poor school performance, poor soual behaviors and
difFiwftres in achieving ttfe miles4ones of child development What we do know is that the impacx
d vfdenoe can tie mitigated by interventans aimed at the reduction d trauma. It is essential
that Hawau County have a framed professional team to work with the very special needs d a
fragile population, our children The VACA unit has a demonstrated history d worklrg with drild
victims in a consistent and sensitive manner within the criminal justice system. Our community
cannot afford to regress in its efforts to protect and support children through their experience d
reporthg physical and sexual abuse. Vlolenoe against children must be stropped There must be
support, not only for all victims of vblerx~a, but particularly for children as victims who must
relate to aduR systems d criminal justice.
I strongly encourage you to do what is right in taking the necessary steps to stabilize progress
end continue the development of Hawaii County a: a protoetive and safe honor for its children.
Provide the funding necessary to create permanent VACA positions
On behalf d our children and families, thank you
Yours truly, - /f
G%Y~ Q ~~,~I~"+
Cynthia A Curatalo
F~cecutive Director
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