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Community Corner

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Last year in Rice County, the headlines noted horrific child abuse cases.  Those headlines only reflect a small number of cases of abuse which pass through the Rice County.  In 2012, an estimated 1,640 children in the U.S. died from abuse or neglect according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway (2014).   National statistics indicate:

  • An estimated 686,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect
  • Approximately 3.8 million children received services from Child Protective Services agencies
  • Children younger than one year had the highest rate of victimization

In Rice County, protecting children and keeping families together is our goal in every child protection case.  In criminal cases, we seek to hold the perpetrator accountable and to assure the child will never again be subject to abuse at the perpetrator’s hands.  We all have a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect in Rice County and in helping victims recover.  From parents, family, and friends to educators, community members, and community leaders, each of us can help create a safe community for young people to grow up healthy and full of dreams for a bright future.

I encourage everyone to be aware of warning signs of child abuse and neglect, including sudden changes in behavior or school performance, untreated physical or medical issues, lack of adult supervision, and hyper vigilance as though preparing for something bad to happen. Reporting possible child maltreatment is not just the responsibility of professional mandatory reporters.  For FFY 2012, 58 % of all reports of alleged child abuse or neglect were made by mandatory reporters.  The remaining reports were made by nonprofessionals and other unclassified reporters, including friends, neighbors, sports coaches, and relatives.  We cannot help a child or family unless someone speaks up and reports a need for intervention. 

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Beyond reporting, we can all help prevent abuse.  Here are a few things we can do:

Parents:

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·         Explore the world from your child’s point of view.

·         Establish a daily routine so your child knows what to expect-play time, school time, meal time, reading time, together time, bed time.

·         Start a parent support group or network.

·         “Catch” your children being good and praise them often.

·         Ask your children who is important to them.

·         Make time to do something YOU enjoy.

·         Role play emotions with your child—what do you do when you’re frightened, happy, sad, or frustrated?

·         Volunteer at your child’s school.

·         Hug your children often.

·         Teach your child to resolve conflicts peacefully.

·         Join a Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop with your children.

Community members:

Ø  Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Provide reassurance and support and if a parent seems to be struggling, offer assistance or a friendly ear.

Ø  Be a friend to a child you know.  Ask them about their day or show you care.

Ø  Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another's children.

Ø  Volunteer your time and money for programs in your community that support children and families, such as Ruth’s House, Hope Center, local Healthy Community Initiative programs or the Rice County Chemical Health Coalition program.

Ø  Advocate for public policies, innovative programs and issues that benefit children and families.

And if you are a parent feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility of parenting, please seek help by calling Rice County Crises line at: 800-422-1286 or contact Childhelp® at 1.800.4.A.CHILD. (1.800.422.4453).  Childhelp® is a national organization that provides crisis assistance and other counseling and referral services.

All of us have a role to play in preventing child abuse and making Rice County a healthier, happier and stronger community.  

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