April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this year’s theme is “Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change.” We believe that everyone can play a role in helping families thrive. It begins with understanding that children, youth, and parents in your community need support. In fact, we all need a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on at different points in our lives. 

At RISE Services, Inc., we are dedicated to supporting families with practical, professional, and personal growth opportunities. We encourage you to be a part of transforming the lives of children and their families, too. Learn more about child abuse and neglect, what is currently being done to prevent maltreatment, and how you can be a part of the solution.

Key Facts & Statistics

We all understand the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect, but it may be helpful to know why implementing effective strategies to support families and their well-being is essential. Here are a few key facts and statistics regarding child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment:

• The most common type of child maltreatment is neglect.
• Approximately 1.8 million children received prevention services in 2021.
• About two-thirds (58.0%) of those victims received post-response services, such as family preservation, family support, or foster care, because of needs discovered during an investigation. 
• Fewer than one-quarter (20.2%) of confirmed neglect victims were removed from their homes.

Protective Factors

Protective factors are conditions or characteristics in children, parents, and communities that positively influence the well-being of families. Many child welfare professionals use these factors when working with families to support their strengths and identify areas of weakness. Using a protective factor approach, families can find the resources they need to parent effectively, reducing the chance of child abuse and neglect.

What are these protective factors?

• Nurturing and attachment: Babies and children who have affectionate and nurturing parents have a higher chance of healthy development.
• Knowledge of parenting child and youth development: Parents who communicate and listen to their children, provide consistent expectations, and promote safe independence, are more likely to raise thriving children.
• Parental resilience: Children with parents who can effectively cope with stress are able to help their children do the same. 
• Social connections: When parents or caregivers have a network of supportive friends and family, they are better able to care for themselves and their children.
• Concrete support for parents: Access to community resources and support can help parents better manage stress and provide for their children’s well-being.
• Social and emotional competence of children: By identifying social or emotional delays early, children and families can receive much-needed assistance to support their development and build healthy relationships.

What Can You Do?

There are several ways you can be involved in raising awareness and preventing child abuse and neglect:

• Join a supportive parenting group in your community. You can assist other parents by offering encouragement or advice and help yourself by receiving the support you need at the same time.
• Support child abuse prevention programs in your community by raising awareness or fundraising.
• Help a neighborhood family with specific needs such as offering to drive your children and theirs to and from school or activities. 
• Volunteer for an agency that supports children and their families.
• Consider becoming a foster parent to care for a child in need.

Supporting Children & Families Since 1987

All children deserve compassionate, loving homes where parents can find the support and encouragement they need to be the best possible parents for their children. Make a difference in your community by raising awareness of child abuse and maltreatment or getting involved to actively support children and their families. Contact us today to learn more about how to become a foster parent or how you can work with RISE to provide growth opportunities for children, adults, and families.

Source: “National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” Web page. Child Welfare Information Getaway. Web. 15 Apr. 2023.