The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Child abuse in southeast Iowa remains to be one dark spot in the community.

In Wapello County, there is hope. A group of concerned citizens gather each month in Ottumwa to help confront this issue head on.

"Wapello County has the unfortunate designation of being one of the counties in Iowa being with the highest rate of child abuse and neglect, and this is not a one-time occurrence. We have some history of not being able to protect our children. What our organization tries to do is to work with other agencies, to bring funding into the area that will provide programs for parents and for children," said Jean Dell.

The alliance has a growing membership, but wants more people to get involved. The group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at the Vine Coffeehouse in Ottumwa.

Those with background in childhood education and other types of social organizations to help prevent child abuse are urged to join. The cost of joining the alliance is $5.

In the coming months, the alliance, in association with Indian Hills Community College will be holding a conference entitled, "Coaching Boys into Men, Coaching Girls into Women."

The main speaker for this conference is Josh Jasper. Jasper has a Masters in Social Work and is C.E.O. of the Riverview Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Jean Dell of the Wapello County Children's Alliance told KTVO the program is great for coaches from around the community.

"There is a time and a place for power and strength on the field, you come off the field, you still have power and strength, but you are expected to use it in a respectful way toward women and girls," said Dell.

If interested in attending the program, please contact Vicki Ellis at RHEP at 641-683-5281.