YAS Supports Great Childhoods
Each April we strive to bring awareness to National Child Abuse Prevention Month! 2018 marks the 35th year for this monthly observance, first designated in 1983. The focus is to share ways in which we can prevent child abuse and neglect.
The Ohio Children's Trust Fund, which also serves as Ohio's Prevent Child Abuse America Chapter, shares these 10 Ways to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect:
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. To find more resources and tips to soothe your crying baby, visit https://www.odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/cfhs/shaken%20baby%20syndrom e/teachingtool.ashx
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.
7. Promote programs in school. Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.
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 throughout Ohio, email OCTF@OCTF.ohio.gov.
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.
a full listing here: http://www.pcsao.org/membership/agency-directory.
