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.