Margaret McGaughey’s column, “How to raise a dangerous criminal” (Nov. 3, Sun Journal), calls for prompt and creative thinking so the negative effects of societal and family crises on children can be reduced.

One solution is Safe Families For Children. Christian churches, such as the East Auburn Baptist of Auburn and Free Grace Presbyterian of Lewiston, have become part of a national, volunteer-driven movement to provide parents in crisis with a safe place for their children while the parents also receive help in addressing their situations.

According to its website, Safe Families for Children has been operating since 2003, assisting “thousands of children, minimizing the risk for abuse or neglect and giving parents the time and tools they need to help their families thrive. Many parents struggle because of limited social support and unavailable extended family. Many Safe Families volunteers become the extended family that a parent never had.”

Safe Families for Children provides a safe alternative to prevent the need for child welfare custody; provides an overwhelmed and resource-limited parent with a safe, temporary place for the child without threat of losing custody; offers support to help avert potential abuse/neglect episodes; and offers family support with the goal of family stabilization.

Theresa Arita, Auburn