Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect is a devastating problem that attacks the very foundation of American society. The great majority of abused children grow up suffering adverse long term effects as an outcome of their victimization. Preventing child abuse and neglect is possible and, collectively, we can make a difference.

What is Child Maltreatment?
Each state uses the framework provided by the federal government to establish their particular criteria for defining child abuse and neglect. Generally, most state laws recognize four main categories of child maltreatment: Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect (physical or emotional)

(The link below provides a detailed fact sheet on types of child maltreatment)
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/fac.../whatiscan.cfm



Why is prevention of child maltreatment so important?
Child abuse and neglect leaves wounds and emotional scars that often last a lifetime. These victims of abuse often develop psychological and emotional disorders, learning disabilities, and a variety of health related issues. Recent studies indicate exposure to abuse during infancy causes abnormal brain development. Victims of child abuse and neglect are more likely to struggle with depression, suicidal ideation, various high risk behaviors, anti-social behavior, and tend to be prone to addiction.

Why is it 'everyone's responsibility?
While these victims bear the pain and injurious outcomes of maltreatment, their behavior, treatment, and restoration place a great moral and financial burden on society. Physical and mental health agencies, law enforcement and judicial systems all struggle to accommodate the extra needs and services required by these child abuse victims. Studies done on the long term financial burden resulting from child maltreatment estimates as much as $258 million each day, or approximately $94 billion each year is spent either directly or indirectly as a result of child abuse and neglect.

What can we do to help?
The citizens of this country are its most vital resource. This crisis won't be solved by simply adding more government programs and funding, but through the cooperation and participation of all of us. If you are convinced that prevention of child maltreatment is important, you can immediately begin to help. These four preventive strategies are proven to be most effective in providing helpful support.

1. Help a family under stress with a few hours of child care or assistance around the house. Relieving a stressed out parent for a couple of hours gives them new perspective and greater resolve to be a responsible parent.

2. Become a good listener. A parent or caregiver that is overburdened can gain great comfort and encouragement being able to connect with an individual who will listen and provide emotional support for them.

3. Support the various programs that offer parent education, family counseling, child care, and safety education. Many of these programs are non-profit and offer free services to families in crisis that are unable to afford them.

4. Finally, if you suspect that a child is suffering abuse or neglect, notify authorities that can provide proper assistance.
*In an immediate emergency, always call 911 for Law Enforcement intervention.
*In a non-emergency situation, the link below provides the number for each state.
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/res..._chno=11-11172

Together, we can take great strides towards eliminating child maltreatment through prevention. Become involved today.

“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
Fredrick Douglass (1818-1895)

The link below gives further information on various prevention programs http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventi.../whatiscap.cfm