April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Michelle Lasater
  • Family Advocay Program
The importance of Child Abuse Prevention Month is to bring a nationwide focus to the ever-growing hidden problem of child abuse and neglect and to provide education and awareness to parents, caregivers, children and the community on how to prevent it before it even starts. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every year 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving nearly 6 million children (a report can include multiple children). The United States has the worst record in the industrialized nation - losing five children every day due to abuse-related deaths. Unfortunately, included in those numbers are our very own military children.

There are many things that individuals can do to help combat child abuse each day. We can help by ensuring that our actions each day are not contributing to the issue. Offenders of child abuse can be any adult in a caregiver role (i.e. parent, grandparent, teacher, babysitter, day care provider, coach, etc.). If every adult in the United States did just a little, fewer children would suffer pain, injury or death due to abuse. Developing our own parenting and coping skills, reaching out to others who need help and participating in awareness events are all ways that we can affect change in our society as a whole. Other ways to prevent child abuse are to recognize it and report it when you suspect it is occurring.

What resources are available to parents on base?

By reaching parents before or soon after a child is born, we create one of the best opportunities to prevent child abuse. The Family Advocacy Program offers a program for new and expectant parents where they receive pregnancy and parenting education, breastfeeding consultation and information on what to expect as their child develops through the years.

Additionally, the New Parent Support Program provides supportive counseling to address any challenges they may experience as parents, such as, increased stress and behavioral concerns. Educational classes providing information on reducing stress, managing anger, improving parenting skills and communicating better as a couple are also available.

We even have a class tailored especially for new fathers, taught by experienced fathers. It is designed to address the unique concerns of fathers in an all-male environment so that fathers feel safe to discuss their needs or challenges.

All services are open to Tri-Care beneficiaries, and some services may be available in the home.

-What can parents do if they are having trouble?

One of the strongest things a person can do is to ask for help when they need it. Being a parent does not come with an instruction manual, and not everyone is fortunate enough to grow up in loving and nurturing homes that provide healthy parenting examples. If you or someone you know is struggling - take the first step and reach out.

In addition to the Family Advocacy Program, personnel have many resources available to them: Mental Health 283-7511, Chapel 283-2925 (100 percent confidentiality); Military Family Life Consultant (850) 461-5989. Parents may also speak with their pediatrician if they have concerns about their child's development. Parents of children with special needs may also contact the Exceptional Family Member Resource Coordinator at 283-4204.

Additional Information:

Per AFI 40-301, all active duty members, DOD civilians and contractors are mandated to report child abuse. To make a report, please contact the Department of Children and Families Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96 ABUSE or the National Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD. In addition, reports involving active duty members or military beneficiaries are required to be reported to the Family Advocacy Program at 850-283-7511.