Pastoral Response Assistance Team
Natick, Massachusetts ,U.S.A.
-Preventing Child Abuse-
-What everyone can do-
Adapted from material from the Children’s Bureau U.S.Department
of Health and Human Services 2003
Child Abuse
Prevention: An Overview
The impact of abuse is far greater
than its immediate, visible effects. Abuse and neglect are associated with
short- and long-term consequences that may include brain damage, developmental
delays, learning disorders, problems forming relationships, aggressive
behavior, and depression.
Survivors of child abuse and
neglect may be at greater risk for problems later in life—such as low academic
achievement, drug use, teen pregnancy, and criminal behavior—that affect not
just the child and family, but society as a whole.
In 2000, nearly three million
reports concerning five million children were made.
In almost two-thirds (62 percent)
of these cases, the information provided in the report was sufficient to prompt
an investigation. As a result of these investigations, approximately 879,000
children were found to have been victims of abuse or neglect.
Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of
victims experienced neglect, meaning a caretaker failed to provide for the
child’s basic needs. Fewer victims were found to have been physically abused
(19 percent) or sexually abused (10 percent), though these cases are often more
likely to be publicized.
The smallest number (8 percent)
was found to be victims of emotional abuse, which includes criticizing,
rejecting, or refusing to nurture a child.
Tragically, an average of three
children die every day as a result of child abuse or neglect.
Child Abuse and
Neglect:
The National Scope
of the Problem
In the year 2000, an average of
2,400 children were found to be victims of child abuse each day.
Each week, child protective services (CPS) agencies throughout the United States receive more than 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect.
Boys and girls are almost equally
likely to experience neglect and physical abuse. There is some debate, however over
the fact that girls are up to four times more likely to experience sexual abuse[1]. Children of all races and
ethnicities experience child abuse. In 2000, more than one-half of all reported victims were White (51 percent); one-quarter
(25 percent) were African American; and 14 percent were Hispanic. American
Indian/Alaska Natives accounted for two percent of victims, and Asian/Pacific
Islanders accounted for one percent of victims.
Children of all ages experience
abuse, but the youngest children are most vulnerable. Children younger than one
year old accounted for nearly one-half (44 percent) of child abuse and neglect
deaths reported in 2000; 85 percent of the children who died were younger than
six years of age.
By definition, perpetrators of child abuse and neglect are the very people responsible for the child’s safety and well being (including parents, other relatives, and babysitters).
The most common group of people
found to be responsible for neglect and physical abuse were mothers acting
alone (47 percent and 32 percent of victims, respectively).
In cases of sexual abuse, non-relatives and fathers acting alone
are more likely to be responsible (29 percent and 22 percent of victims,
respectively).
No
group of children is immune from abuse.
At
least 4 out of 5 victims are abused by at least one parent.
Sources: U.S.Department of Health and Human
Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau (2002). Child Maltreatment 2000. Washington,
DC: U.S.Government Printing Office. Available online at
www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/publications/cm00 or by calling the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information at 1-800-FYI-3366.
Statistics in Child Maltreatment 2000 refer to cases of harm to a child caused by parents or other
caretakers;they do not include harm caused by other people, such as
acquaintances or strangers.
There are four major types of
child maltreatment: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.
Although any of the forms may be found separately, they often occur together.
Each State is responsible for
providing its own definitions of child abuse and neglect that meet Federal
minimum standards found in the Child Abuse and Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA).
Most include the following:
Neglect is
failure to provide for a child's basic needs. Neglect may be:
Physical (e.g., lack of appropriate
supervision or failure to provide necessary food, shelter, or medical care).
Educational (e.g., failure to educate a child
or attend to special education needs).
Emotional (e.g., inattention to a child’s
emotional needs or exposure to domestic violence).
These situations do not always mean that a child is neglected. Sometimes cultural values, the standards of care in the community, and poverty may be contributing factors, indicating that the family is in need of information or assistance. When a family fails to use information and resources, and the child’s needs continue to be unmet, then further child welfare professional intervention may be required.
Physical Abuse is
physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a
result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing,
choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or
otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of
whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child.
Sexual Abuse includes
activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child's genitals, penetration,
incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and commercial exploitation through
prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
Emotional Abuse is
any pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense
of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as
well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
What Is Child
Abuse
Note: The
Federal legislation that provides definitions is included in the Child Abuse
and Prevention Treatment Act (CAPTA) reauthorization of 1996 (P.L. 106-177). A
PDF version is available at: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgiin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=106_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ177.106.pdf
The goal of child abuse prevention
is simple—to stop child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place,
sparing children and families emotional and physical trauma and decreasing the
need for costly intervention and treatment services.
The best way to prevent child abuse and neglect is to
support families and provide parents with the skills and resources they need.
Why Does Child
Abuse Occur?
Although all the causes of child
abuse and neglect are not known, a significant body of research has identified
several risk factors and protective factors associated with child abuse.
Studies also have shown that when there are multiple risk factors present, the risk is greater. For
example, lack of preparation or knowledge of critical issues
surrounding parenting, financial or other environmental stressors,
difficulty in relationships, and depression or other mental health
problems can all lead to abusive or neglectful behavior.
Parents may lack an understanding
of their children’s developmental stages and hold unreasonable expectations
for their abilities. They also may be unaware of alternatives to corporal punishment or how to discipline their children most
effectively at each age. Parents also may lack knowledge of the health,
hygiene, and nutritional needs of their children.
These circumstances, combined with
the inherent challenges of raising children, can result in otherwise
well-intentioned parents causing their children harm or neglecting their needs.
How Is Child Abuse
Prevented?
Prevention efforts build on family strengths. Through prevention activities
such as parent education, home visitation, and parent support groups, many
families are able to find the support they need to stay together and care for their
children in their homes and communities. Prevention efforts help parents
develop their parenting skills, understand the benefits of nonviolent
discipline techniques, and understand and meet their child’s emotional,
physical, and developmental needs. Prevention programs also can help parents
identify other needs they may have and offer assistance in getting that
additional support.
Child Abuse Prevention Month is an
opportunity to highlight the role we all can play to support parents and
families. This month—and throughout the year as we consider child abuse
prevention—our attention is best focused on prevention efforts that create
healthier environments for children and foster confident, positive parenting.
What Organizations
Can Do
Want to help prevent child abuse and neglect in your community?
Use the following innovative ideas
as starting points for planning activities to help raise awareness and protect
children.
.
Hold a Blue Ribbon Campaign. In 1989, Bonnie W. Finney of
Virginia tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van. When asked about it, she
told people the tragic story of the abuse of her grandchildren, and the
resulting death of her grandson. Since then, millions of people across the
country have participated in Blue Ribbon campaigns by wearing the ribbons and
getting involved in community activities to remind people that they can help
prevent child abuse in their communities.
Ms. Finney originally chose blue
to remind herself of the bruised bodies of her grandchildren.
In recent years, some
organizations have chosen to reinvent the symbol using a strength-based
approach. Prevent Child Abuse Virginia, a State chapter of Prevent Child Abuse
America, uses the blue ribbon to celebrate “Blue Ribbon Parents, ”“Blue Ribbon
Kids,” or “Blue Ribbon Communities” that find new and innovative ways to
support families.
Involve local faith communities. A local church in Arlington,
Virginia, hosted a Bishop’s Summit on Children and Violence. They invited the
faith community and general public to learn about and help prevent child abuse
and family violence.
Volunteer at an organization
providing family support services. In many communities across the country, volunteers are making
significant contributions to ensuring the healthy development of children in
need. In New Mexico, AmeriCorps
volunteers provide one-on-one support, mentoring, and other wrap-around
services to pregnant and parenting teens enrolled in their GRADS program. The
program is designed to help the teen’s graduate, improve their parenting
skills, and foster self-sufficiency.
Team
up with a local professional or semi-professional sports franchise. Prevent Child Abuse America has
partnered with the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the last 15 years
to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month, holding a national
press event as well as local activities at games across the country. For
example, the Partners in Prevention Campaign Planning Committee in Washington,
DC, worked with the NBA to hold a professional basketball game (Washington
Wizards) that recognized Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Invite a local celebrity or feature
a children’s cartoon character. Raising a Healthy Child, Inc., in Tallahassee, Florida, hosted a
free event featuring Spider-Man™.The event included a Spider-Man skit,
autographs, photos with Spider-Man, Spider-Man comic books about child abuse
prevention, face painting, games, and snow cones. Resource information about
child abuse prevention and
counselors were available for
families. (To order a Spider-Man comic book about child abuse prevention, see http://pcaamerica.channing-bete.com/.)
Involve men and fathers. The Hillsdale Child Abuse Council
in Minnesota kicked off its countywidem “Real Men Rock” shaken baby public
awareness campaign with an ad campaign showing local fathers nurturing and
rocking their babies. Participants included a local emergency medical
technician and a teacher.
Encourage community members to
celebrate their own heroes. The New Hampshire Children’s Trust Fund, New Hampshire’s
Community-Based Family Resource and Support (CBFRS) grantee, advertised the
opportunity to make a contribution to the trust fund to honor a mother or
someone else special to the donor. The message read, “When you make a gift to
the New Hampshire Children’s Trust Fund in the name of someone you love, your
gift will not only honor her, but also, help other women become strong,
effective mothers, too.”
Use a clever gimmick to attract the
community’s attention. The Kalamazoo County Child Abuse Council in Michigan sponsored a
Life Savers® campaign. More than 200 community volunteers handed out Life
Savers® candies on corners or in stores in exchange for donations. The funds
went to support ongoing child abuse prevention programs.
Honor the community’s culture. The child abuse prevention program
for the Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe hosted a conference called “Honor Our
Children, Honor Our Heritage.” The conference included a spiritual run/walk and
a pow-wow (“Honor Our Children, Drum Out Child Abuse.”) Speakers from other
reservations were invited to talk about child abuse prevention.
Distribute a resource guide for
parents. Many
local Boy Scout troops distribute the booklet, “How to Protect Your
Children from Child Abuse: A Parent’s Guide,” among their members as
part of the Boy Scout Guidebook for youth. The National Exchange Club
Foundation distributes “Time Out
Teddy” brochures with insights on
positive and effective childrearing skills. The brochure is also available in
Spanish. Prevent Child Abuse America also offers a variety of parenting
publications through its Web site at http://pcaamerica.channing-bete.com./
Involve local businesses. Community business owners in a
suburb of Chicago were asked to contribute a child’s-sized white or blue
T-shirt with the business logo on the front. The T-shirts were attached to a
clothesline that was threaded around a prominent building to draw attention to
Child Abuse Prevention Month. Indiana’s CBFRS grantee printed public service
announcements and the child abuse hotline number on thousands of grocery bags
used by a statewide grocery chain. For Child Abuse Prevention Month 2002, Prevent
Child Abuse America’s Minnesota chapter, the Family Support Network, was chosen
by Sidney’s Restaurant as its “Children’s Charity of Choice. ”In each of the
restaurant’s five locations, Sidney’s included information about the Family
Support Network in its menus and created a display at which customers could
make donations. Vermont kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month with a
cake-cutting ceremony. The cake, donated by Vermont-based Ben & Jerry’s,
served approximately 250 people. The first piece went to a child.
Involve local schools. The Exchange Club Center for the
Prevention of Child Abuse of the Trident Area, South Carolina, has developed a
report card insert to show parents a positive approach to dealing with
disappointing grades. The inserts are available in bulk by calling the National
Exchange Club Foundation.
Engage local legislators. The Children’s Trust Fund in
Missouri distributed lapel pins to all members of the State legislature with a
card that read, “April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Missouri’s children are
pinning their hopes on you.”
Take your message on the road. In Puerto Rico, CBFRS funds were
used to develop two mobile outreach buses that delivered educational materials
and training during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Service providers on board
helped community members determine where and how to receive additional
services. The buses attracted attention through music and popular
entertainment. Many communities also use variations of the following “tried and
true” activities to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and focus attention
on child abuse prevention throughout the year.
Make one of these ideas your own:-
Host an awards’ breakfast or
luncheon to recognize key individuals and organizations working to prevent child
abuse.
Submit a press release or feature
story to your local newspaper or TV/radio station.
Offer a speakers’ bureau.
Disseminate calendars of State or
local child abuse prevention activities. Use local children’s artwork to
illustrate them.
Seek Child Abuse Prevention Month
(in April) proclamations by mayors and
local councils.
Spread the word on bus placards
and billboards or through television and radio PSAs.
Display literature on child abuse
prevention at local libraries, or ask the library to develop a reading list on
child abuse and where help can be found.
Develop a child abuse prevention
exhibit at a local shopping mall.
Celebrate families with a festival
or picnic.
Hold an essay or poster contest
for school children.
Organize a children’s parade.
Sponsor a “Kids’ Day at the Zoo.”
Host parent support groups on
prevention topics.
Contact Circle of Parents and Parents Anonymous® Inc. for more
information about such groups.
Offer a workshop or conference on
child abuse prevention or positive parenting.
Fly Children’s Memorial Flags in
prominent locations.
(Available
from the Child Welfare League of America
Hold a candlelight vigil for
victims of child abuse.
Gaining media attention is an
effective way to raise awareness throughout the year. Use the following
suggestions to increase media exposure and educate your community about child
abuse and neglect.
Develop a Press Release
The primary tool for gaining
publicity is the press release. Press releases tell the “who, what, when, where,
why, and how” of a news story. Educate the public about what everyone can do to
help prevent child abuse in his or her own communities.
Write an OpEd Piece
The Opinion/Editorial (OpEd) pages
of newspapers include articles written by experts in certain fields. These
articles usually offer a viewpoint on current events and hot topics. An OpEd
should be sent to the editor of your local newspapers. You can locate the
editor’s name at the top of the OpEd page in each newspaper. Remember to ask
for word count limitations.
Submit Prewritten Articles to
Community Newspapers
Community papers often accept
prewritten articles and photographs. Call the editors or reporters at community
papers at least six weeks before you would like your article to appear.
Secure Television and Radio
Coverage
Don’t forget local broadcast
media. Approach radio and television programs in the same way as newspapers.
Send your press release to the appropriate person at the station at least four
weeks in advance. Prior to sending your materials, listen to the shows and
familiarize yourself with their formats.
Develop Public Service
Announcements
Public service announcements
(PSAs) are essentially free advertisements, available only to nonprofit
organizations. Local radio and television stations donate a percentage of their
airtime to worthwhile campaigns; however, PSA spots are limited and many
nonprofit organizations vie for available spots. Many media outlets require
that PSA requests be submitted a minimum of six weeks prior to the desired
print or airdate.
How to Involve the Media
A fundamental step for involving
the media and generating local support is to identify and train representatives
to conduct media interviews and honor speaking engagements throughout the year.
Selecting Spokespersons
The ideal spokesperson is often
the person at your organization or in your community who is most knowledgeable
about issues related to child abuse prevention. Identifying a single
spokesperson helps the public put a “face” on the issue. The reality is,
however, that most people are committed to other tasks and personal
responsibilities. Therefore, it is important to select and prepare backup
spokespersons to ensure that no
speaking engagement or media opportunity is missed.
Spokespersons should:
*Be
personable and at ease when speaking publicly.
*Have
a clear, pleasant speaking voice.
*Be
an interesting conversationalist.
*Have
some public speaking experience and, preferably,
experience
talking with members of the media.
*Have
a working knowledge about issues related to child abuse prevention.
*Be
“fast on their feet” and able to handle non-scripted responses.
Preparing Spokespersons
When making appearances or
conducting interviews, your spokesperson should be prepared with:
*General
information about child abuse prevention.
*Answers
to questions about national prevention efforts and your State or local
activities and involvement.
Encourage him or her to review the
materials contained in this resource packet and online from the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (http://www.calib.com/nccanch)
or Prevent Child Abuse America (http://www.preventchildabuse.org/).
*A
local or national telephone number that people can call for more information.
*A
press kit, for reference. Include talking points in the kit.
*Talking
points are a single page of bulleted messages
that
the spokesperson should mention
When scheduling media interviews
and speaking engagements, provide the reporter or organization with a
paragraph-long biographical sketch for the spokesperson (not a full resume)
that includes the credentials that qualify him or her as an “expert.” The
reporter or organization will use the sketch to introduce your speaker.
Involve Local Spokespersons
Parents can be powerful advocates
for child abuse prevention by partnering with staff to educate the public,
reach out to other parents in need of help and support, and shape policies and
practices
that impact families. When parents
speak out through the media or at public presentations about the positive
changes in their own lives, others gain valuable insights and are moved to take
action to help themselves or their neighbors. Staff should offer tangible and
emotional support during this process.
You may wish to ask the following
questions of potential parent spokespersons to help them decide whether or not
they are ready to share their stories:
Is this the right time for you to speak
out?
Are you prepared for the attention
that may follow?
Is your life fairly stable right
now?
How much (or how little) do you
want your name, face, or voice to be used publicly?
What do you most want to share in
an interview or speech?
How does your family feel about
your interest in speaking publicly about your life
experiences?
Do your family members mind if you
refer to them in your talk?
What effect will your exposure
have on you and your family members, especially
your children?
If parents are ready to speak out,
you may wish to offer them the following suggestions:
Remember to speak from your heart
and from your own experience.
Decide what you most want to say
and then practice how you will say it. If you agree to an interview, have a
friend, family member, or staff member ask sample questions so you can rehearse
your responses.
Anticipate difficult questions. It
is always OK to say that you don’t know the answer to a question or don’t want
to respond.
Always assume that anything you
say to a representative of the media is “on the record” and might be repeated
in a story.
Be aware that a media story or
headline may be portrayed in a more dramatic way than you expect.
Keep the focus on your own
positive growth and change.
Emphasize that “asking for help is
a sign of strength.”
Choose your words carefully and
avoid slang, unrelated remarks, and angry responses.
Don’t feel the need to volunteer
information just to fill in uncomfortable silences.
Make helpful suggestions to other
parents in the audience and invite your listeners to take action that will help
strengthen families and prevent child abuse.
Remember to thank parent spokespersons for
sharing their experiences and to debrief and provide support to them
after the event. By sharing their expertise and life experiences with others,
parents are sharing a valuable gift and are helping to make their community a
better place.
Other Tips for Preparing Parent Spokespersons
Adapted courtesy
of Parents Anonymous® Inc. (1999).Media Guide for Parent Leaders, Parent
Leadership Series. Claremont, CA:
Parents Anonymous®
Inc. Copies of this document may be reproduced and distributed.
Below are specific talking points
about child abuse and neglect prevention.
The emphasis of your remarks should be that everyone in the
community is able to do something to help prevent child abuse every day.
Remember to tailor your presentation for the format of your program, the nature
of your audience, and the length of your presentation. Please refer to the
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (http://www.calib.com/nccanch/)and
Prevent Child Abuse America (http://www.preventchildabuse.org/)
to supplement these talking points.
Child abuse continues to be an
important public issue.
Sample Talking Points
Child
abuse prevention centers on finding ways to support parents and families so
that children can live in nurturing and healthy homes.
We
all have a role to play in keeping children safe.
courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse
America:
Raise
the issue.
Call or write your candidates and
elected officials to educate them about issues in your community and the need
for child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment programs. Contact your
local school district and faith community to encourage them to sponsor classes
and support programs for new parents.
Reach
out to kids and parents in your community.
Anything you do to support kids and parents in your family and extended community helps reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Be a good neighbor. Offer to baby-sit. .Donate your children’s used clothing, furniture, and toys for use by another family. Be kind and supportive, particularly to new parents and children.
Remember
the risk factors.
Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents: *Abuse alcohol or drugs *Are isolated from their families or communities *Have difficulty controlling their anger or stress *Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment, or safety of their children * Seem to be having serious economic, housing, or personal problems
Recognize
the warning signs.
Some of the warning signs that a child might be abused or neglected include: * Nervousness around adults *Aggression toward adults or other children * Inability to stay awake or to concentrate for extended periods *Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities *Acting out sexually or showing interest in sex that is not appropriate for his or her age *Frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries *Low self-esteem *Poor hygiene
Report
suspected abuse or neglect.
If you suspect abuse or neglect is
occurring, report it—and keep reporting it—until something is done. Contact
child protective services ( In Massachusetts the Child At Risk Hotline Number is 1-800-792-5200) or your local police department.
You can find the reporting number in your State, by using the National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information publication, State Toll-Free Child Abuse
Reporting Numbers,
found online at http://www.calib.com/nccanch/pubs/prevenres/organizations/tollfree.cfm.
For more information on how and
where to file a report, call Childhelp USA®, National Child Abuse Hotline
(1-800-4-A-Child®).
Other ways you can help support
families, throughout the year:
Encourage schools and other community organizations to provide classes in parenting education for students and parents.
Request a speaker or in-service
training through the child protective services hotline.
Provide friendship and guidance to
parents and children who need your help by volunteering for programs such as
Befriend-a-Child or Court
Appointed Specia Advocates (CASA).
Start or join community efforts to
prevent child abuse and neglect.
If you see a parent abusing a
child in public, approach and say something like,“ Looks like you’re having a
rough day, is there anything I can do to help?”
If you are in a store and a child
is in danger, offer assistance. For example, if the child has been left
unattended in a shopping cart, stand by the child until the parent returns.
Develop friendly relationships
with your neighbors and their children. Problems
often seem less overwhelming when
you have support nearby.
Get involved in your child’s
school. Join the parent-teacher organization and attend school events.
Talk to your friends and neighbors
about child abuse and how to prevent it.
How your community supports
children and families.
The following programs may be
offered through schools, healthcare clinics, social service agencies, or
community- or faith-based organizations:
Parent education programs teach
parents about child development and parenting skills.
Home-visiting programs provide
social support, education, and crisis intervention to families at risk for
abuse
Substance abuse treatment programs
can help parents overcome problems with alcohol or other drugs.
Well-baby programs provide health
and education services to new parents.
Childcare programs offer
affordable childcare services. This may allow parents to maintain full-time
jobs or stay in school while keeping their children safe.
Respite care provides relief to
families with a child or other family member who is ill or has a disability.
Parent mentor programs match
experienced, stable parents with parents at risk for abuse. Mentors provide
support and model positive parenting skills.
Family support centers offer an
array of preventive support services, including many of those listed above, as
well as referral to other community services
Parent support groups offer a
place for parents to meet and discuss parenting issues, exchange ideas, and
offer support. (See Circle of Parents and Parents Anonymous® Inc.)
Help local organizations
distribute educational materials on parenting and child abuse prevention.
Encourage local schools or other
community organizations to provide parenting education.
Request a speaker or in-service
training through the child protective services hotline.
Offer to speak to the media and
other groups about your own experiences as a parent. Parents Anonymous® Inc.
has a resource guide, Media Guide for Parent Leaders, that may be helpful.
Organize a fundraiser or a food
drive to support an organization that helps families in your community.
Help the public library develop
resources for parents. Work with the librarian to develop a collection of
resources on child development and parenting skills.
Provide friendship and guidance to
parents and children who need your help by volunteering for programs such as
Befriend-a-Child or Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
Contact your elected officials and
ask them to support funding for prevention efforts and policies that support
children and families.
Make a donation to an organization
that works to prevent child abuse. You can donate money, or give clothing,
food, or toys to a social service agency thathelps families in your community.
Read to a child.
Compliment a child. Encourage a child. It helps build self-esteem.
Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention center.
Listen to a child’s stories and dreams. Build his or her
imagination.
Learn and share nonviolent ways to
discipline, such as time-out with discussion.
Control offensive materials on your home computer.
Color a special picture with a child. Hang it in your office or on the
refrigerator at home.
Visit a nursing home with your child.
DO SOMETHING when you see child abuse in public.
Baby-sit Free for a parent who needs a break.
Get to know your neighbors. Hold a block party.
Take a child to the zoo.
Take a family to a matinee.
Play a child's favorite game.
Volunteer in a classroom or at a
childcare center.
Make cookies with your child and frost them, then give them to
someone
Set a good example, demonstrate positive relationships.
Encourage your children to give their allowance to charity.
Wear a Blue Ribbon (the symbol to prevent child abuse).
Go for a family bike ride.
Become educated and involved in legislative children’s issues.
Give everyone in your family a hug today.
Have the family go for a nice long walk together.
Share your common experiences with other parents.
Rent a family movie and share a bowl of popcorn.
Clean out closets and give unwanted items to charity.
Involve the entire family in making the Sunday dinner.
Visit the Prevent Child Abuse America Web site at http://www.preventchildabuse.org/.
Take a parenting or child-development class.
Learn how, when, and what to report about suspected child abuse
Resource Directory
The following
national organizations and programs have local chapters in States and
communities across the country.
Please call the
national office or go to the Web site listing to identify a local office near
you.
National Organizations with Local Chapters
Alliance for
Children and Families
The Alliance for
Children and Families, an international membership
association,
represents more than 350 private, nonprofit child- and
family-serving
organizations providing a vast array of services
ranging from
residential care to abuse prevention and intervention.
Phone: (414)
359-1040
Web site:http://www.alliance1.org/
AVANCE Family
Support and Education Program
AVANCE provides
support and education services to low-income
families to
strengthen their family, enhance parenting skills to nurture
the optimal
development of children, promote educational
success, and
foster the personal and economic success of parents.
Phone: (210)
270-4630
Web site:http://www.avance.org/Local
contacts: http://www.avance.org/
Child Welfare
League of America (CWLA)
CWLA is an
association of more than 1,100 public and private
nonprofit agencies
that coordinate national and local child abuse
prevention efforts
and assist over 3.5 million abused and neglected
children and their
families each year with a wide range of services.
Phone: (202)
638-2954
Web site:http://www.cwla.org/
Local contacts:http://www.cwla.org/members/members.htm
Circle of Parents
Circle of Parents
provides parent self-help support groups to
anyone in a
parenting role. These groups offer parents a place
to discuss the
challenges of raising kids, exchange ideas, and
offer support.
Phone: (312)
663-3520
Web site:http://www.circleofparents.org/
Local contacts:http://www.circleofparents.org/locator/index.html
Family Support
America (FSA)
Family Support
America promotes family support for ensuring the
Well being of our
children. FSA advocates on behalf of families and
provides technical
assistance, training and education, conferences,
and publications.
Phone: (312)
338-0900
Web site:http://www.familysupportamerica.org/
Local contacts: http://www.familysupportamerica.org/content/mapping_dir/find.asp
The FRIENDS (Family
Resource Information, Education
and Network
Services) National Resource Center for
Community-Based
Family Resource and Support Programs.
FRIENDS provides
technical assistance and information to
State leads of
Community-Based Family Resource and Support
programs to help
States in their efforts of reducing the incidence
of child abuse and
neglect and strengthening families.
Phone: (312)
338-0900
Web site:http://www.friendsnrc.org/
Local contacts:http://www.chtop.com/FRIENDS/CBFRScontacts.htm
Healthy Families
America®
Healthy Families
America®, a program of Prevent Child Abuse
America, promotes
positive parenting and child health and
development
through voluntary home visits by trained staff.
Phone: (312)
663-3520
Web site:http://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org/
Local contacts http://www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org/contacts/state_system_primary_contacts.html
MELD: Programs to
Strengthen Families
MELD offers
educational and support services for parents, trains
family service
providers to apply best practices, and publishes
resource materials
for parents and service providers.
Phone: (612)
332-7563
Web site:http://www.meld.org/
Local contacts:http://www.meld.org/sitemaplist.cfm
National Alliance
of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds
The National
Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds
works to build and
maintain a system of services, laws, practices,
and attitudes that
prevent child abuse and neglect. The Alliance
supports a network
of State Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds,
which provide
resources for local child abuse prevention activities.
Phone: (202)
296-6645
Web site:http://www.msu.edu/user/millsda
Local contacts:http://www.msu.edu/user/millsda/states.html
National Exchange
Club Foundation
for the Prevention
of Child Abuse
The Foundation coordinates
a nationwide network of nearly
100 Exchange Club
Child Abuse Prevention Centers that utilize the
parent aide
program to provide support to families at risk for abuse.
Phone: (800)
924-2643
Web site:http://www.preventchildabuse.com/
Local contacts:http://www.preventchildabuse.com/usamap.htm
Parents Anonymous®
Inc.
Parents Anonymous®
Inc. leads a dynamic international network of
accredited
organizations that implement weekly, ongoing Parents
Anonymous® Adult
and Children’s Groups that are free of charge
to participants
and based on a shared leadership model.
Phone: (909)
621-6184
Web site:http://www.parentsanonymous.org/
Prevent Child Abuse
America
With chapters in
nearly 40 States and the District of Columbia
Prevent Child
Abuse America provides leadership to promote
and implement
child abuse prevention efforts at both the
national and local
levels.
Phone: (312)
663-3520
Web site:http://www.preventchildabuse.org/
Local contacts:http://www.preventchildabuse.org/get_local/index.html
The following
national organizations are among many that provide information and services to
support the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Inclusion on this list is
for information purposes and does not constitute an endorsement.
National Organizations that Provide Information, Training, and
Technical Assistance
American Professional Society on
the Abuse of
Children (APSAC)
The American
Professional Society on the Abuse of Children is a
national,
multidisciplinary organization that works to improve the
practice of
professionals in the field of child abuse and neglect.
Phone: (405)
271-8202
Web site:http://www.apsac.org/
Center for the
Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Center is an interreligious
educational resource that works
to address issues
of sexual and domestic violence by engaging
religious leaders
in the task of ending abuse, and by preparing
human services
professionals to recognize and attend to the
religious
questions and issues that may arise in their work
with women and
children in crisis.
Phone: (206)
634-1903
Web site:http://www.cpsdv.org/
Childhelp USA®
In addition to a
24-hour National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-
A-CHILD®), Childhelp
USA® directly serves abused children through
residential
treatment facilities, child advocacy centers, group homes,
foster care,
preschool programs (including Head Start), child abuse
prevention
programs, and community outreach.
Phone: (480) 922-8212
Web site:http://www.childhelpusa.org/
Children’s Defense Fund
The Children's
Defense Fund focuses on key issues affecting the
well-being of
children by helping develop, implement, and
monitor State and
Federal policies.
Phone: (202)
628-8787
Web site:http://www.childrensdefense.org/
International
Society for the
Prevention of
Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN)
ISPCAN brings
together a worldwide cross-section of professionals
to work toward the
prevention and treatment of child abuse,
neglect, and
exploitation globally by increasing public awareness,
developing
activities to prevent violence, and promoting the rights
of children in all
regions of the world.
Phone: (630)
221-1311
Web site:http://www.ispcan.org/
Kempe Children’s
Center
The Kempe
Children’s Center provides clinical treatment, training,
research,
education, and program development to prevent and
treat child abuse
and neglect.
Phone: (303)
864-5252
Web site:http://www.kempecenter.com/
National
Clearinghouse on
Child Abuse and
Neglect Information
The Clearinghouse
provides information products and technical
assistance
services to help professionals locate information related
to child abuse and
neglect and related child welfare issues.
Phone: (800)
FYI-3366
Web site:http://www.calib.com/nccanch
National Council on
Child Abuse and Family Violence (NCCAFV)
NCCAFV works to
strengthen community child abuse and family
violence
prevention and treatment programs across the country
through public
awareness and education, professional development,
and organizational
development.
Phone: (202)
429-6695
Web site: http://nccafv.org/
National Indian
Child Welfare Association (NICWA)
NICWA is a
membership organization of Tribes, individuals, and
private
organizations that works to promote Indian child welfare
and address child
abuse and neglect through training, research,
public policy, and
grassroots community development.
Phone: (503)
222-4044
Web site:http://www.nicwa.org/
Shaken Baby
Syndrome Prevention Plus
Shaken Baby
Syndrome Prevention Plus develops, studies, and
disseminates
information and materials designed to prevent
Shaken Baby
Syndrome and other forms of physical child abuse,
as well as to
increase positive parenting and childcare.
Phone: (614)
836-8360
Web site:http://www.sbsplus.com/
STOP IT NOW!
STOP IT NOW! works
to end the sexual abuse of children by
calling on abusers
and potential abusers to stop and seek help,
educating adults
about the ways to stop sexual abuse, and
increasing public
awareness of the trauma of child sexual abuse.
Phone: (413)
268-3096
Web site:http://www.stopitnow.com/