How YOU Can Help Prevent Child Abuse
Click here for 10 Ways to Prevent Child Abuse (PDF)
Know the signs and symptoms of abuse. Read our brochure on recognizing child abuse. If you recognize child abuse, it is important to call and make a report. Calling to file a report doesn't mean the child is automatically and immediately removed from the home. It does mean that someone knowledgeable will investigate and evaluate the situation. The family may need help. The family may want help. Your call may help them get it. Call the child protection hotline at 242-1211 or 911 in an emergency.
Help an at-risk family. If a child had never been exposed to a foreign language we would never expect them to speak that foreign language as an adult. And yet we expect children who were abused and neglected as children to be able to be healthy parents as adults. But they need someone to teach them. That’s where Faith Partners comes in. Faith Partners is a faith-based program that matches teams of volunteers with families who are struggling as parents. For information about how you can volunteer call 243-2484.
Help an at-risk youth. Children who grow up in struggling families often face real challenges when they become teen-agers. These children are at high risk of dropping out of school, getting into trouble with the criminal justice system, abusing alcohol or drugs and ultimately raising their own children in unhealthy environments. But you can help break that cycle by becoming a mentor. It only takes an investment of three hours a week for one year, and the return on your investment could result in healthy families for generations to come. For more information about becoming a Senior Partner call 245-5555.
Become a Foster Parent We have a growing need for more foster parents who can provide a safe and nurturing temporary home for children and teen-agers. Because we have all kinds of kids, we need all kinds of families-- married, single, home owners or apartment dwellers. Your income or marriage status doesn’t matter. What does matter is your willingness to provide a safe place for a child while his parents learn how to provide a safe and healthy family for the child. For more information about becoming a foster parent call InfoLine at 244-8400.
Advocate on behalf of abused children. Abused children often have no one to speak for them. You can do that. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are volunteers who are trained to speak in court on behalf of children who are the victims of abuse. No special knowledge or experience is required. Training and ongoing support is provided. For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer call 242-4191.
Tie a blue ribbon on your car antenna. While the blue ribbon itself may not stop child abuse it will get people talking. Having a blue ribbon on your car antenna may open up a conversation to allow you the opportunity to share this information with others. To obtain a free ribbon for your car antenna or to purchase a metal ribbon to wear on your lapel call Strong Families, Safe Kids at 254-8240.
Reach Out and Prevent Child Abuse
Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.
Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand.
Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care.
Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another's children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved.
Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.
Volunteer your time and invest your money for programs in your community that support children and families, like parent support groups or child care centers.
Resources and information included have been adapted from the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Human Services and Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know. Prevent Child Abuse America © 2003. For more information go to Prevent Child Abuse America
