In 1983, April was declared Child Abuse Prevention Month. Initially I thought this would be a pretty depressing blog post. Especially for those who work in schools- we are well aware of child abuse. Abuse statistics (679,000 children across the nation were victims of abuse in 2013) and signs to watch for are hammered in our heads. We know what to do when we suspect abuse, but often feel frustrated that we couldn’t or can’t stop it from happening.
To me, the upside is that April is about Preventing child abuse, not being aware of it. There are many factors that can potentially lead to child abuse and, therefore, many steps a community can take to help decrease child abuse (a 3.8% national decrease was reported between 2009 and 2013). Prevention is about making sure families have the supports they need financially, socially, physically, and educationally to avoid engaging in patterns of abuse. Prevention also starts in our own homes as we all work to develop and model strong, healthy relationships among our own family members.
Prevent Child Abuse America offers the following ten tips:
Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse
· Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.
· Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
· Help yourself. When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.
· If your baby cries… It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.
· Get involved. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
· Help to develop parenting resources at your local library. Find out whether your local library has parenting resources, and if it does not, offer to help obtain some.
· Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.
· Monitor your child’s television, video, and internet viewing/usage. Watching violent films, TV programs, and videos can harm young children.
· Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program. For information about volunteer opportunities, call 1.800.CHILDREN.
· Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or your local police department.
Washington County Public Schools employs a variety of support staff who can provide assistance to families who are in need. Pupil Personnel Workers are knowledgeable in community resources available to families. There are staff members who specialize in supporting families who are homeless. School Psychologists assist in parent education programs offered through the county’s birth to age five program. The Family Support Resource Center offers educational programs for families with children who have disabilities; frequently programs offer suggestions for handling behavior problems. Many elementary schools have partnered with local community or church groups to offer “Micah’s backpack” so families who may not have enough food can receive extra supplies each Friday. If you or someone you know could benefit from these supports, please speak to your school to gain assistance.
Resources:
Child Welfare Information Gateway-
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/about/
Prevent Child Abuse America
www.preventchildabuse.org
American Humane Association
www.americanhumane.org
Family Support Resource Center Newsletter
http://www.wcps.k12.md.us/depts_programs/special_education/documents/family_support_center/newsletter_winter_14-15.pdf
To me, the upside is that April is about Preventing child abuse, not being aware of it. There are many factors that can potentially lead to child abuse and, therefore, many steps a community can take to help decrease child abuse (a 3.8% national decrease was reported between 2009 and 2013). Prevention is about making sure families have the supports they need financially, socially, physically, and educationally to avoid engaging in patterns of abuse. Prevention also starts in our own homes as we all work to develop and model strong, healthy relationships among our own family members.
Prevent Child Abuse America offers the following ten tips:
Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse
· Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.
· Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
· Help yourself. When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.
· If your baby cries… It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.
· Get involved. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
· Help to develop parenting resources at your local library. Find out whether your local library has parenting resources, and if it does not, offer to help obtain some.
· Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.
· Monitor your child’s television, video, and internet viewing/usage. Watching violent films, TV programs, and videos can harm young children.
· Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program. For information about volunteer opportunities, call 1.800.CHILDREN.
· Report suspected abuse or neglect. If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local department of children and family services or your local police department.
Washington County Public Schools employs a variety of support staff who can provide assistance to families who are in need. Pupil Personnel Workers are knowledgeable in community resources available to families. There are staff members who specialize in supporting families who are homeless. School Psychologists assist in parent education programs offered through the county’s birth to age five program. The Family Support Resource Center offers educational programs for families with children who have disabilities; frequently programs offer suggestions for handling behavior problems. Many elementary schools have partnered with local community or church groups to offer “Micah’s backpack” so families who may not have enough food can receive extra supplies each Friday. If you or someone you know could benefit from these supports, please speak to your school to gain assistance.
Resources:
Child Welfare Information Gateway-
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/about/
Prevent Child Abuse America
www.preventchildabuse.org
American Humane Association
www.americanhumane.org
Family Support Resource Center Newsletter
http://www.wcps.k12.md.us/depts_programs/special_education/documents/family_support_center/newsletter_winter_14-15.pdf