Child Abuse Prevention
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. Prevention is the best hope for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families. Preventing child abuse and strengthening families requires a shared commitment from individuals and organizations in every community.
Prevention is the best hope for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families. Preventing child abuse and strengthening families requires a shared commitment from individuals and organizations in every community.
Join us this month in spreading the word about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, consider fostering or adopting through foster care, and help provide a safe, loving environment for a child.
It only takes a minute….
| …to advocate for a child …to believe in a child …to fasten a child’s car seat …to get involved …to hug a child …to imagine a world without child abuse …to learn a child’s name …to listen to a child …to listen to your heart …to make a call for help …to protect a child | …to realize words hurt …to remove a threat …to seek assistance …to stop a child from being hurt …to stop and take a breath …to talk to a child, and not yell …to write a child a kind note …to write your local Legislator …to prevent child abuse …to prevent neglect …to make a difference in the life of a child. |
Become an Aspiranet Foster Parent
As an Aspiranet foster parent, you can help provide a loving, safe home to vulnerable infants, children and youth who through no fault of their own have become part of the child welfare system. By being a foster parent, you are not only providing a safe and nurturing home for a child, but also ending the cycle of abuse for that child. Speak with others about the possibility of opening their hearts and homes to a child(ren) for a short period of time, or perhaps a lifetime. To learn more about becoming a foster parent, please visit our foster care website, aspiranetheroes.org
Other ways you can help:
Remain aware of the reality that child abuse happens in all socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic groups. Know and recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse.
Talk with your children about ways they can protect themselves and who to tell should something happen to them.
Call your local Child Protective Service Agency if you believe that a child is at risk or being abused. You can make a difference for that child with one phone call.
Wear a blue ribbon during the month of April to promote awareness of child abuse.
Praise your children for their accomplishments and successes, no matter how small. Remember that everything you say and do is absorbed by a child, making a lasting impression on them.
Tell your children that you love them first thing in the morning and last thing before they go to sleep at night.
Copyright © Prevent Child Abuse California 2010
Please review and print the following resources to help spread awareness of Child Abuse Prevention strategies:
The Story of the Blue Ribbon
The Blue Ribbon Campaign began when a Virginia grandmother, Bonnie Finney, tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van “to make people wonder.” The story she told to inquisitive community members was tragic. It was about the abuse of her grandchildren at the hands of their parents, which ultimately led to the brutal death of her grandson.
“My grandchildren had suffered and battled so much throughout their young lives that it sickened me. My life was turned into physical and mental chaos. My efforts to understand became a plea to stop abusing children. I tied a blue ribbon on my van antenna to make people wonder. Why blue? I intend never to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for protection for our children.”
Since Bonnie Finney first tied that ribbon to her van antenna in 1989, millions of people across the country have participated in blue ribbon campaigns. Each year, more people join the effort by wearing and displaying blue ribbons and encouraging others to do the same. These small acts have inspired individual and community involvement in activities to “make people wonder” about the significance of the blue ribbon.
The story of Bonnie Finney demonstrates the effect that just one concerned citizen can have on raising public awareness of child abuse and in promoting prevention efforts.
April is designated as our national Child Abuse Prevention Month. Please wear a blue ribbon and give one to your friends — share this story with them. Be part of the campaign to raise awareness of child abuse prevention efforts. It Only Takes a Minute to make a difference in the life of a child
Copyright © Prevent Child Abuse California 2010
