Each year, more than 3 million children in the United States are reported as abused or neglected, according to statistics released by Prevent Child Abuse America, then nation’s leading child abuse prevention organization. Approximately 1 million of these cases are confirmed. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, nearly 200,000 Texas children are reported as abused or neglected every year.
Here are a few simple ways each of us can help prevent child abuse and neglect:
- Be a nurturing parent. Children need to know that they are special and loved. Educate yourself about a child’s development process so you can have reasonable expectations about what your child can and cannot do.
- Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Being a parent isn’t easy. Someone you know may be struggling with his or her parenting responsibilities. Offer a helping hand.
- Help yourself. When big and little problems of everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Don’t take it out on your child. Take a deep breath. Turn on some music.
- If your baby cries… It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry, especially when nothing you do seems to work. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying—but, never shake a baby!
- Get involved. Advocate for services to help families. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of children and families.
- Monitor your child’s television and computer use. Watching violent films on TV or playing violent computer games can harm young children. Not only does it scare them, it also teaches children that aggression is a good way to handle frustration and solve problems.
- Spend time playing with your children…or read to them instead.
- Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping children safe is the responsibility of every adult in our community. If you have a reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call 1-800-252-5400.
April’s observance of “Child Abuse Prevention Month” is an appropriate opportunity to remind ourselves of our collective responsibility to prevent abuse and neglect. The web site www.itsuptoyou.org contains a wealth of information on how to prevent child abuse and where to go for help with parenting skills.
Additionally, volunteers from the Brown County Child Welfare Board (and many other organizations) will be at Heartland Mall on Saturday, April 21st from 12:00pm to 3:00pm sharing information and raising donations for the Rainbow Room by selling raindrops for $1. You can be a ray of hope to these children. Your donation is tax deductible. Monetary donations may be mailed to the Child Welfare Board at P.O. Box 836, Brownwood, Texas 76804.
Pictured above are commissioners along with administration and volunteers from CASA, Child Welfare Board, Family Services Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters with the proclamation: (front) Judge Ray West and Kitty Cavanaugh (Brown County Child Welfare Board), (back row) Commissioner Joel Kelton, Benita Pipes, Cheryl Nelson, Commissioner Bob Clark, Commissioner Larry Traweek, Gina Jameson (Big Brothers Big Sisters), Doak Givens (Family Services Center), Michelle Wells (CASA), Jill Evans, and Commissioner Richard Gist.
