Prevent Child Abuse Louisiana intertwines advocacy and public policy work into all of our public awareness work. Our public awareness message to the public and policy makers is about what each individual can do to prevent child abuse and neglect and is outlined below. Public policy advocacy focuses on assuring resources are put to effective parent support programs and that families have the resources they need to be the kinds of parent they want to be.
Our advocacy work is done through national, state and local coalitions and through active relationships with elected officials and governmental administrations.
Here's what you can do to prevent child abuse:
As a member of the community:
- Help organize after-school programs for your neighborhood children
- Offer to check in on your neighbor’s latch-key children
- Introduce children to the arts: museums; children’s theater and concerts; libraries
- Volunteer for a non-profit organization that supports families
- Contact your local officials to advocate for polices that strengthen and support families
- Become a foster or adoptive parent
As a member of the media:
- Don’t just focus on the negative
- Americans know child abuse is a societal problem, but feel helpless to do anything about it.
- Offer solutions for families in need: KIDLINE; Safety Council; Family Road; Children’s Advocacy Center; Families in Need of Services (FINS)
- Look for positive stories such as:
- Programs that are working (e.g. Nurturing the Families of Louisiana TM )
- Volunteers who are making a difference
- Successful foster care parents and reunification
As a parent:
- Establish a regular, everyday routine for your children; they function better when they know what to expect
- Develop a support system that you can rely on for help when needed
- Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help
- Look for ways to reduce stress in your life, and develop a list of ways to cope with stress that cannot be avoided
- Spend time with your kids
- Be fair and consistent in discipline
- Show affection to your children
- Teach children to respect others
- Contact 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373) for parenting help by phone
TOGETHER, we can help shape a bright, safe future for all of Louisiana’s children!
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