child abuse prevention monthAs April comes to a close, the prevention efforts that we discussed throughout the 2015 Child Abuse Prevention Month don’t have to end. There are many things we can do beyond the month of April—as caregivers and community members—to ensure families feel supported and children are safe from abuse and neglect.

We know child abuse can occur in any home, regardless of neighborhood or annual income. We also know there are things we can do as parents, family members, friends, and neighbors to help keep children safe from abuse.

Check out these tips for parents, friends and family, and anyone interested in creating safer communities for kids.

Parents:

  • Explore parenting questions with your family doctor, your child’s teacher, family, or friends
  • Take a parenting class at a local community center
  • Enroll in the HANDS program
  • Ask for help when you need it
  • Take care of yourself
  • Set up a daily routine with meals and naps

Family, Friends & Neighbors:

  • Meet and greet your neighbors and maintain relationships with family and friends.
  • Offer to lend a hand to an overwhelmed parent
  • Make a meal for a busy family
  • Arrange play dates
  • Help parents take a break
  • Lend an ear when parents or children need to talk
  • Provide positive feedback to both children and caregivers who are experiencing challenging times

Community Activities:

  • Set up a play group in your community at a park or center
  • Participate in an activity at your local library or community center
  • Organize a community event (a block party, father/daughter dance, parent support group)
  • Join or create a group in which parents and children meet regularly to play or serve together
  • Support an organization who works to prevent child abuse, like the Kosair Charities Face It® movement to end child abuse by 2023

Of course, it is also important to know how to recognize and report abuse. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected you should call one of the Child Protection Hotlines listed below:

Kentucky’s Child Protection Hotline: 1-877-KYSAFE1 OR 1-877-597-2331
Online: https://prd.chfs.ky.gov/ReportAbuse/

Supporting families and creating safe, supportive communities benefits everyone. As caring adults, it is our responsibility to create a community where kids are safe from abuse and neglect. Find more ideas on how to prevent child abuse here.