April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Why Prevention Matters

Across the nation there has been great progress in work to improve the health and well-being of children. But the turbulent economy and the budget cutting that has come with it threaten to derail efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect at a moment when it is needed most.

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The 5 R’s of Child Abuse Prevention

Remember –  that children are the future.  And their early years have an  enormous impact on their future health and success.  One of the reasons that Casa de los Niños started the Great Beginnings Program

Recognize - prevention is a shared responsibility. Parenting is the toughest job any of us will ever undertake, and our most important civic contribution.  Our Parent Education Program helps parents learn the skills needed to care for their children.

Raise - the issue of prevention. We all care about the issue of child abuse.  But, we hear a lot more about the problem than we do about the solutions. Ask your elected officials to support programs and services that help children and families.

Reach out - to kids and parents.  Anything you do to support kids and parents in your family and extended community helps reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.  Make donations of cash, clothing, health care items, diapers, etc., to Casa de los Niños or another family you may know that needs some help.

Recommend - ideas that your community can use.    There are many programs at Casa de los Niños that may be able to help a family you know.

Ten things you can do instead of hitting or yelling

You don’t have to lift your hand to hurt your child.  Words hit just as hard.  The next time everyday pressures build up to the point that you might lash out, stop!

Try any of these simple alternatives:

*reprinted from the Bellflower
Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Click here for Tip Sheets for Parents & Caregivers

More resources for parents

Our Mission Statement: Casa de los Niños seeks to prevent child abuse and neglect by offering services that promote child safety and family stability.