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Prayers offered at vigil for young victims of abuse

Spurred by a rash of cases allegedly involving child abuse in Great Falls — including some that led to child deaths — religious leaders joined with local advocates Tuesday evening to call on the community to stand together against child abuse.

The audience filled the bleachers in front of the bandshell at Gibson Park. Speakers included Jessica Bray, whose daughter, Kaelyn Bray, died from abuse in 2010, and April Hall, whose granddaughter, October Perez, died from alleged abuse in June.

"I ask that each of us be given the strength and resolve to stand up for the weak and the innocent," Bray told the crowd.

Hall told audience members of a visit she had with Gov. Brian Schweitzer last week to discuss changes she and others believe should be made in the state's child protection system.

Since Perez's death, Blaine County Schools Superintendent Lisa Stroh sent out a statewide petition calling for changes in the state's Child and Family Services Division of the Department of Health and Human Services. Perez had an open file with Child and Family Services at the time of her death. Hall, Stroh and other proponents of the petition met with the governor about the petition's requests for more oversight and transparency in the child protection system.

Source: Great Falls Tribune