Prevention Tips
Child abuse is preventable, but it takes the community to work together as a whole. It is our responsibility as professionals and individual members of society to protect children. This article will give tips for parents/caregivers on how to prevent child abuse, and how organizations who work with children can prevent child abuse from happening within their organizations. Local child abuse prevention organizations and an upcoming conference will also be highlighted.
For those who are interested in learning more about child abuse prevention and the effects of child abuse on our youth, consider attending the…
Project Child Conference 2008
The conference will be held at the Best Western Inn and Conference Center, Rts. 22 and 512 in Bethlehem, PA. This conference will focus on those children who have a history of trauma and attachment difficulties and the connection of dysfunctional histories and problematic behaviors associated with these children. The keynote speaker will be Kevin Creeden, M.A., LMHC. Please call 610-954-9561 or email projectchildlv@aol.com for more information.
Also, if you are interested in receiving literature on sexual child abuse prevention please order the booklet entitled, “Because There Is A Way…[…to prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Facts about Abuse and Those Who Might Commit It.]. From STOP IT NOW! a national organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. Orders can be sent to:
The Safer Society Press
PO Box 340
Barndon, VT 05733-0340
800-247-3132
For the local chapter of STOP IT NOW!, more information and literature, contact STOP IT NOW! Philadelphia at
100 S. Broad St., Suite 1700
Philadelphia, PA 19110
215-701-1560
stopitnow@jjp.org
Don’t forget local organizations devoted to the prevention of child abuse. Child Abuse Prevention Effort (CAPE) helps prevent child abuse and neglect through direct intervention with the community and families that need assistance and guidance. They provide Services to Children in their Own Home (SCOH Services), a hotline (215-624-1101) to provide supportive listening services, community education programs, and an emergency family fund which may provide for emergency food, clothing, baby equipment, beds and bedding, and school uniforms and supplies. Visit their website at www.capepa.org to learn more about their programs.
Ten Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse for Parents/Caregivers, Friends and Family*Taken from www.childabuse.org*
Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.
- Help a friend, neighbor or relative.
Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so theparent(s) can rest or spend time together.
When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feeloverwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.
It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stopcrying. Never shake a baby – shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.
Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet theneeds of healthy children and families.
- Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.
- Promote programs in school.
Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep childrensafe.
- Monitor your child’s television and video viewing.
Watching violent films and TV programs can harm young children.
- Volunteer at a local child abuse prevention program.
Check out www.philly-connect for such programs and organizations.
- Report suspected abuse or neglect.
If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call your localdepartment of children and family services or you local police department. 8 Tips for Organizations Providing Programming or Services for Children*Taken from the Spring 2008 Newsletter PA-FSA* There are several actions an organization can take: • All employees and volunteers who work with children should be screened, including Child Abuse Clearances and criminal history checks. Act 179 of the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) now requires such clearances as a condition of employment. • Staff and volunteer orientation and training should include education on policies and other issues related to the prevention and reporting of child abuse. All members of the organization should be informed on child abuse issues.• Both staff and volunteers should be supervised appropriately, including random, unannounced observations. • Information about appropriate conduct with children should be given to staff and volunteers, in writing, and they should sign these policies. Standards for adequate supervision of children, including the age of staff and volunteers and having at least two staff present at all times, should be set. • Staff and volunteers should be provided with training and education on how to be watchful for signs and symptoms of child abuse. A clear policy on how to report should also be in place and reviewed with all personnel regularly. PFSA has a Sample Policy template that organizations may download by visiting www.pa-fsa.org. • The environment should be designed with child safety in mind. Rooms with windowed doors or leaving doors open in areas used for children’s activities or counseling sessions is a recommended practice. Parents should be provided with advance notice and full information regarding events in which their children will participate. • Prevention programs for children are also recommended. Children should be informed about who they may contact for advice and help if they have been a victim of abuse. • Parenting classes and support groups to help parents and other caretakers deal with the stressors of family life are also recommended. Stress is a key factor in why abuse occurs; helping parents deal with those stressors can decrease the likelihood of abuse. For more information and resources on how to make your organization safer for Pennsylvania’s children, call 1-800-448-4906 or visit www.pa-fsa.org.v
