April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

During this month and throughout the year the Saratoga Center for the Family is dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and neglect, and what each one of us can do to help keep children safe. The impact of child abuse and neglect is far greater than its immediate, visible effects. These experiences can shape child development and have consequences that last years, even lifetimes. Research now shows that the physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences of child abuse and neglect impact not just the child and family, but the community as a whole. As adults, children who experienced abuse or neglect have an increased likelihood of criminal behavior, involvement in violent crime, abuse of alcohol and other drugs, and abusive behavior.

The goal of child abuse prevention is to stop child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. How can child abuse be prevented? The best ways to prevent child abuse and neglect is to support families and provide parents with the skills and resources they need. Prevention efforts build on family strengths and are designed to strengthen, educate, and empower participants on how to keep safe and maintain healthy lifestyles. The Saratoga Center for the Family’s prevention programs are delivered through: parent education, home visitation, parent/caregiver support groups, and family programs. Prevention programs help parents develop their parenting skills, understand the benefits of nonviolent discipline techniques, and understand how to meet their child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs.

What can you do to help ensure that children in your community are safe? Everyone can help prevent child abuse by: Raising the issue – call or write your elected officials to educate them about issues in your community and the need for child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment programs; Reach out to kids and parents in your community because anything you do to support kids and parents in your community helps to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect; learn about the risk factors be aware that child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, however risk factors are greater in isolated families and also when parents or caregivers have other social or emotional factors; Recognize the warning signs and be aware that behavior may signal abuse or neglect long before any change in physical appearance; and report suspected abuse or neglect by the hotline at 1-800-342-3720.

Therefore by joining together in prevention efforts we can truly make a difference in the lives of children and families in our communities. For more information on the Center’s prevention programs, or to learn more about risk factors and warning signs please contact us at 518-587-8008.