Editors’ note: This column is written by Texas Rep. Suleman Lalani, D-Sugar Land, a physician and Texas state representative for House District 76, serving part of Fort Bend County, including the cities of Sugar Land, Stafford, Richmond and Meadows Place. This piece does not necessarily reflect the views of the Fort Bend Star or its staff. The Fort Bend Star welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Fort Bend County residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Send submissions to [email protected].
When my wife, Zakia, and I were raising our three sons, we worked hard to provide them with a stable and nurturing environment. Despite the long hours we both put in at work, the greatest joys in my life came from sharing family meals, attending school events, and helping my boys with their homework. As a father, I have seen firsthand how a supportive home can empower children to reach their full potential. But I know that not every child has that same foundation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, at least 1 in 7 children in the United States has experienced abuse or neglect in the past year. The consequences can be profound – these children face a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder, are more likely to struggle in school, and are at greater risk of entering the juvenile justice system. When young people find themselves in our juvenile justice system, what they need most is support, not punishment…