April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month – Help Strengthen Families and Prevent Child Abuse

Help Promote Child Abuse Prevention with these Programs and Activities

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues, encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making the Dayton, Ohio community a better place for children and families. There are many ways that each of us can help!

We all need to help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities. Protective factors are the strengths and resources families draw on during difficult times to shield them from life’s stresses. Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. It is important that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete supports.

In support of these efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, together with Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention  developed the 2021/2022 Prevention Resource Guide. The guide provides more information about protective factors and highlights examples of innovative prevention approaches being implemented by communities across the country.

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES:

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities during the month of April, and throughout the year, here are a list of resources and contact information. Just click on the name to read it.

• Child Welfare Information Gateway
• Montgomery County Children Services Signs of Abuse Factsheet
• How to Report Suspected Child Abuse
• Dayton Children’s Hospital Information About Child Abuse
• List of Ohio Child Abuse Resources Through Childcare.gov
• When Should I Report Suspected Child Abuse?
• Child Help National Child Abuse Line1-800 422-4453.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Besides advocating for children and keeping a watchful eye out for signs of child abuse, consider giving of your time, clothing or money to an organization that works with families and children. You can get involved in various ways such as serving as an advocate, mentor or volunteer. These are some of the organizations you might consider.

• Prevent Child Abuse America
• Boys and Girls club of Dayton
• ECPAT – Working Together to End the Sexual Abuse of Children
• Ohio Children’s Trust Fund – Ohio.gov
• The National Foundation to End Child abuse and Neglect

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE:

Most importantly if you suspect child abuse, or observe it happening, don’t look the other way. You can report it to your local police, your local Children Services, or by calling or texting the Child Help National Child Abuse line. 1-800 422 4453. Furthermore, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has set up an automated phone directory that links a caller directly to the police or a child welfare  office in their county. 855-O-H-Child or 855 642 4453. Locally you can also call 937-224-5437 or if you see immediate danger call 911. You may choose to remain anonymous. Let’s all work together to ensure all children have the opportunity to live their life without fear of being abused.

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