State can’t afford to neglect the at-risk

I would like to express my opinion and concerns in regard to the tragic death of a 4-year-old girl Rebecca Riley in Hull. The solution to this tragedy is not pointing fingers nor firing people. The solution is for our governor and lawmakers to realize that budget and monies need to be appropriated for programs that protect at-risk children.

I was a counselor for a program that works hand-in-hand with the Department of Social Services to monitor at-risk families. I was just laid off due to budget cuts. These cuts leave other at-risk families without proper monitoring and puts children at risk.

I hope our governor and lawmakers realize this and will do the right thing.

Hull

Only two people failed Rebecca Riley

In the modern day “drive-by” method of reporting, the Patriot Ledger announces boldly that “Everyone Failed Rebecca” (headline, Feb. 7).

Only two people failed Rebecca, her parents. Throughout a week of coverage, the Ledger has failed to disclose, or has distorted the truth, essentially choosing to blame all. The blame rests solely with the ignorant, unstable, unfit, low-life parents. May their fate be as harsh and unrelenting as they were to poor Rebecca.

Weymouth

The awful neglect of Rebecca Riley

After reading your daily articles on that poor angel, Rebecca Riley of Hull, I felt the need to do something.

As the tears fall now into the keyboard, I struggle to type out the right words to express not just my outrage but also my desperate need to reach out and help.

I am not a doctor nor a psychiatrist and do not understand why a small child could have such a dreadful diagnosis that warrants such a powerful prescription drugs.

I know that abuse wears many faces and it is hard to read the signs sometimes. I have watched children stand at a bus stop with little to wear yet did not feel the need to call the authorities, as some families have little resources to provide adequate clothing.

Instead, I have donated clothes to families in need. I have dropped off food quietly on doorsteps and sometimes, helped pay bills for those struggling. I do not know how to help in the case of Rebecca Riley.

As a single mom of a five-year-old, I don’t have much. However, I would like to donate something to start something. I work full time, but I would like to donate some time on the weekends to raise awareness about this tragedy and how we can help to prevent it going forward.

I just don’t know where to begin. I would like to challenge other readers out there who feel the same way as I do to help with this. Maybe we can plan an “Awareness” seminar or hire an expert on this subject to come to our schools and town meetings.

I did not know Rebecca’s family. Although I live in Hull and have played with my daughter at the playground near her home, I don’t think I have ever laid eyes on her. To read of the many people that surrounded that little girl’s life, it is so hard to accept how many signs were ignored at so many levels.

I walked into the police station recently to see if she was buried here in Hull. I felt the need to visit her tiny grave site and perhaps, leave a flower or an angel or something. I don’t know. Just something. Maybe say a prayer.

To be truthful, I don’t know why this has impacted me so hard. I just cannot seem to stop crying. To read that she could barely stand while rapping on her parents door crying for “mommy” just brings me to tears.

I picture my daughter when she is sick and needs me and how she trusts me to take care of her. I just want to help so we don’t read another story about a little girl named Rebecca who suffered in such agony.

Hull