United States
· Please be in prayer for the estimated 7.5 million children in the United States who were reported to have suffered abuse and/or neglect during the last four years. Pray for those who suffer without anyone noticing them or for those who fall through the cracks. Please pray for all children in this world who are abused and/or neglected. Pray that all children will be able to grow up in a safe and loving home.
· Give thanks to God for organizations like CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and their staff and volunteers who work to represent and care for children who have been removed from abusive situations. Please pray that more volunteers will come forward to advocate on behalf of children.
· Please pray for the staff of agencies like Child Protective Services who help children in dangerous or unsafe situations. Many of the social workers with agencies like these are overwhelmed by huge case loads. Often these agencies struggle to stay fully staffed. Pray that they will receive encouragement and support for this important work. Pray that God will provide committed, qualified staff who are dedicated to serving children in abusive situations. Please pray for an increase in preventative services and education about child abuse and neglect.
· Give thanks to God for those who serve as foster parents to children who have been removed from their homes. Please pray that God will sustain and encourage foster parents when they become overwhelmed or discouraged. Pray that many more qualified people will come forward to be foster parents.
· Pray for parents whose children have been removed from the home and are in foster care. Pray for those who abuse or neglect their children. Pray that the root causes of abuse or neglect, like drug or alcohol abuse, will be addressed. Pray for the complete healing and restoration of these parents.
· Please pray that three sisters (ages 5, 7 and 10) currently in separate foster care situations will be reunited and placed together in one home. Please pray that this placement will become a permanent home for them through adoption as the parental rights of their birth parents will probably be terminated.
