April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
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
- 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.
