We All Can Play a Part in Preventing Child Abuse
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and through the year, CASA of Kosciusko County encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Kosciusko County a better place for children and families. By ensuring parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote children’s social and emotional well-being and prevent child maltreatment within family and communities. The blue pinwheel is the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention and each pinwheel planted represents a person in our community who is committed to Child Abuse Prevention.
Research shows when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth and families are promoted. The six protective factors are:
- Nurturing and attachment
- Knowledge of parenting and of child youth development
- Parental resilience
- Social connections
- Concrete supports for parents
- Social and emotional developmental well-being
“April is a time to celebrate the important role communities play in protecting children. Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on building and promoting the protective factors in every interaction with children and families is the best way our community may help support the prevention of child maltreatment and promote optimal child development.”
Mackenzie Cloutier, CASA Executive Director
