An informational meeting in downtown Wichita drew a larger crowd than expected Thursday. Among those in attendance were concerned parents, child welfare advocates, police detectives with the Exploited & Missing Children's Unit, and District Attorney Nola Foulston.

Around 60 people showed up to the meeting, aimed at helping curb child abuse in Kansas homes. Organizers had to stop the meeting at one point and move to a larger location to make room for what had become a standing-room only audience.

The meeting was spurred by a rash of child deaths attributed to abuse or neglect this year in Wichita. To date, six children under the age of 4 have died in the city, the most in a decade.

Organizers stressed the meeting was not about state systems, like SRS, which have come under fire lately as being flawed and inadequate.

Instead, organizers hoped those in attendance would realize the goal of preventing child abuse long before state agencies have to become involved.

"We're trying to address child maltreatment before it even starts," said Vicky Roper, director of Prevent Child Abuse Kansas at the Kansas Children's Service League. "We're not trying to address it after the fact. We want to stop it before there's even an issue."

Still, several parents and community leaders say there needs to be a focus on SRS and other state agencies that remove children from what authorities consider to be abusive or dangerous homes.

District Attorney Nola Foulston says the aim of stopping abuse before it starts is key to preventing tragedies like the six deaths prosecutors have worked this year.

"We can't be in everybody's home at every single time," Foulston said. "I think the most poignant thing in all of this is when you see a child murdered as a result of this abuse, it's the most disturbing feeling you can ever have."

Statistics show children under the age of four are the most vulnerable to abuse and neglect. The Kansas Children's Service League says such children account for 78% of child maltreatment fatalities.

Organizers of Thursday's meeting say the feedback they received will help them develop plans for how to protect children and strengthen families.

A number of support services are available to parents and families. You can find a list of numbers below.

--- FAMILY SUPPORT ---

Parent Helpline -- 24/7 statewide, anonymous, free service
KS Children's Service League: (800) 332-6378

United Way 211: 24/7 statewide resource & referral line

Teen Crisis Line: (316) 262-HOME

Parent Education Programs -- Learn different parenting methods & skills
KS Children's Service League: (877) 530-5275
Rainbows United: (316) 267-5437

Parent Support Groups
KS Children's Service League: (877) 530-5275
Three Trees: (316) 263-3335 (for grieving children and their families)
WSU Self-Help Network: (316) 978-3843

--- EARLY CARE & EDUCATION ---

Early Childhood Resource & Referral Line
Child Start: (316) 682-1853

--- BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ---

Catholic Charities: (316) 263-6941
Center on Family Living: (316) 295-5638
Comcare 24-Hour Crisis Line: (316) 264-8317
Heartspring: (316) 634-8710
Kansas Children's Service League: (877) 530-5275
Prairie View: (316) 284-6400
Rainbows United: (316) 267-5437
Screen for Success: (316) 267-3535
Wichita Child Guidance Center: (316) 686-6671