(Editor’s note: See a related opinion piece on page A-7 of today’s edition.) 

Confronted with the shocking abuse and death of 2-year-old Oakley Hedlund, the community was left stunned, horrified and outraged. And determined to spark change to keep such a tragedy from happening again.

Petitions have been started online at Change.org to bring awareness to the critical issue of child abuse and to strengthen laws that protect some of the most vulnerable among us.

Oakley was left with his father, Tyler Prescott, 32, in July by the child’s mother, Tasha Hedlund, in an effort to let the two get to know each other.

Prescott, who had maxed out a prison sentence in June on charges relating to the near-fatal abuse of a child in 2021, allegedly abused young Oakley to the point where the child was found dead Aug. 14, according to court records.

State Rep. Marty Causer, R-Turtlepoint, is glad to see people getting involved, but thinks the best first step for people would be to talk to their legislators rather than sign a petition. He’s been hearing from constituents, and welcomes their calls.

There is one matter that keeps coming up — “With this, there are many unanswered questions about the first case,” the legislator said. “Why was he found not guilty of the most serious penalties (of aggravated assault), and then he was found guilty of endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person. I would certainly like to understand the sentence better.”

The maximum sentence for the second-degree felony of endangering the welfare should have been 12 years, Causer said.

“I have reached out to our House Judiciary Committee to look at the sentence this monster received and what the sentencing guidelines say and what the law says,” the legislator said.

“I think there are many unanswered questions we need to look into both with the prior case and to make sure there is a full investigation of the current case.”

People need to come forward with information, he said, adding that it will help with a full investigation. And moving forward, people should call ChildLine with reports of abuse. It’s an anonymous call at (800) 932-0313. “I think that’s the best way the public can get involved.

“Justice needs to be served.”

As for the petitions themselves, both are directed to President Donald Trump. Talking to local legislators is likely more effective, Causer said, while acknowledging and lauding the efforts at raising awareness of the problem.

The first petition, started Aug. 18, focused on “increased support and resources for child welfare services to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.” Headlined “Demand Justice for Oakley and Raise Awareness of Child Abuse,” the petition had 2,706 signatures around noon Friday.

“We urge local politicians, law enforcement and child protective services to prioritize this issue and support preventative measures, such as educational programs for parents and children, increased funding for child welfare agencies and stricter enforcement of existing child protection laws,” the petition read.

The second called on President Trump to “Implement Oakley’s Law for Violent Offenders” by making a federal law to require registration of people with violent offenses against children on a publicly accessible website for a designated period of time after release from prison. “Violent offenders would also be subjected to detailed supervision and mandated to adhere to specific release conditions,” the petition stated.

“By implementing Oakley’s Law, we aim to protect potential victims and break the cycle of violence.”

That petition was started Wednesday. There were 203 signatures as of noontime Friday.

According to CNN, online petitions work best when combined with other advocacy.