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Child Abuse

Oklahoma City, OK – Programs for new mothers eyed to reduce abuse

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) State lawmakers are looking at ways to reduce child abuse and neglect in Oklahoma by targeting programs for new and expectant mothers.

Members of the House Human Services Committee met Tuesday and heard from child advocates across the state about successful ways to target new families.

Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater says every year in Oklahoma, between 35 and 50 children are murdered in Oklahoma as a result of child abuse. He says thousands more are scarred for life as a result of abuse.

Lawmakers also heard about programs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa that provide face-to-face visits with new mothers in the hospital about successful parenting.

State Rep. Richard Morrissette says he hopes to use those ideas to develop a pilot program in the state.