10 Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

1) Be a Nurturing Parent.
Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.

2) Help a friend, neighbor or relative.
Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand to take care of the children so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

3) Help yourself.
When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.

4) If your baby cries…
It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death. If you think your baby has been shaken call 911.

5) Get Involved.
Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

6) Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.
Find out whether your local library has parenting resources, and if it does not, offer to help obtain some. (ie: St. Joseph Orphanage)

7) Promote programs in school.
Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.  Learn more about our school partnerships.

8) Monitor your child’s television, video, and internet viewing/usage.
Watching violent films, TV programs, and videos can harm young children.

9) Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.
For information about volunteer opportunities through St. Joseph Orphanage, email Joelle.Lugabihl@SJOkids.org

10) Report suspected abuse or neglect.
If you have a reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your local public children services agency or your local police department. You can find a full listing here: http://www.pcsao.org/membership/agency-directory

SOURCE: https://jfs.ohio.gov/OCTF/CAPM.stm