April is…National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month represents an opportunity for each of us as community members and advocates for children to take action on behalf of children and their families. Child Protection is the responsibility of adults. We all have a role to play in the healthy development of children. Let’s work to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, secure and nurturing environment free from abuse and neglect. This month, I want to share with you the 5 types of child abuse, definitions and indicators. These definitions and indicators were extracted from the document: Kids Count on You: Protecting Children by Strengthening Families and Stewards of Children. Note: these are indicators and do not necessarily mean that a child is being abused or neglected. Some children will not exhibit any signs.
During the month of April, you may see pinwheels in your community. Pinwheels are a symbol of the great childhoods that all children deserve. Consider planting a pinwheel garden and use the garden as an opportunity to start a conversation with your neighbors about your intentions for protecting children.
Resource Spotlight: The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy
www.georgiacenterforchildadvocacy.org (678) 904-2880
The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy is a private, non-profit agency that was established in 1987. The Center’s mission is to champion the needs of sexually and severely physically abused children through prevention, intervention, therapy, and collaboration. These services are provided at no cost to children who reside in or were abused in DeKalb or Fulton County. The Georgia Center for Child Advocacy’s role throughout the criminal investigation is to focus on the child’s needs, rather than focusing on the crime itself.
Call to Action: What will you commit to doing this month to protect a child?
If a child is in immediate danger, please call 911. To report abuse or neglect, please call the Georgia DFACS Call Center at 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453) 24 hours /7 days a week
If you need help or a referral, please call 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373) Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm. This is the Prevent Child Abuse Georgia Helpline.
In his service,
Virginia
Please feel free to contact Virginia for further information at [email protected]