AMERICA’S CHILDREN IN 100 CHARTS (BOOK DRAFT)
About the book,
This book was written by *CASA guardian ad Litem Mike Tikkanen, with research/writing help from KARA team and college student volunteers from the U.S., Canada, Scotland, and Australia (volunteers & colleges noted in the appendix). Most volunteers are on the path of working in related fields. Many had decades of experience working in Child Protective Services with at-risk children. CASA guardian ad Litems are Court Appointed Special Advocate acting as the child’s Guardian ad Litem in Court.
Thank you each and every volunteer, college intern and CASA for your dedication to the millions of children we are advocating for.
Child abuse and childhood trauma define not just the child’s mental health problem, but the adults they become and the communities they live in.
Our goal has been to dig deep into the muddy water of these complex, related issues, find clarity, and provide solutions to currently worsening problems. Sources consulted are under-reported or not reported by responsible institutions. This book is a guide to identifying, understanding, and dealing with the most critical social issue in our nation today.
By including stories of children and insights of people from related fields, at-risk youth, and adult survivors we give the reader multiple perspectives and experience at a deeper level. Chapters are organized in groups to highlight critical aspects of this issue. The book is best read by first reading the chapter/topic that hits home for you.
Generational child abuse may be America’s worst open secret. Only a fraction of child abuse is ever seen, and only a fraction of what is seen is reported. On a state level, between one third and two thirds of child abuse reports are screened out and not investigated.