What Individuals Can Do

What Individuals Can Do

We all have a role to play in building a strong community in which families and children are valued and supported. It is in these kinds of communities that children are safest from abuse and neglect. Here are some things you can do as a concerned individual.

Why Support for Families is Critical

Research has shown that parents and other caretakers who have resources and support are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for their children. Specifically, parents need a network of supportive personal relationships and other resources for coping with stress, knowledge and understanding of critical child development issues, and financial and other concrete supports such as shelter, food, and childcare.

The Five R's
Prevent Child Abuse America has developed the following "Five R's", which can help individuals better understand the role they can play in child abuse prevention.

    Raise the issue
Call or write your candidates and elected officials to educate them about issues in your community and the need for child abuse prevention, intervention, and treatment programs.

    Reach out to children and parents in your community
Anything you do to support children and parents in your family and extended community helps to reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.

Be a good neighbor. Offer to baby-sit. Donate your children's used clothing, furniture, and toys for use by another family. Be kind and supportive, particularly to new parents and children.

    Remember the risk factors
Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents:

Abuse alcohol or drugs
Are isolated from their families or communities
Have difficulty controlling their anger or stress
Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment, or safety of their children
Seem to be having serious economic, housing, or personal problems

Recognize the warning signs
Some of the warning signs that a child might be abused or neglected include:

Nervousness around adults
Aggression toward adults or other children
Inability to stay awake or to concentrate for extended periods
Sudden, dramatic changes in personality or activities
Acting out sexually or showing interest in sex that is not appropriate for his or her age
Frequent or unexplained bruises or injuries
Low self-esteem
Poor hygiene

Report suspected abuse or neglect
If you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring, report it - and keep reporting it- until something is done. Contact child protective services or your local police department.

Other Ways You Can Help

Build a support network by getting involved in your neighborhood.
Develop friendly relationships with your neighbors and their children.
Get involved in your child's school.
Talk to your friends and neighbors about child abuse and how to prevent it.

Learn how your community supports children and families.
The following programs may be offered in your community, many of which the Children's Task Force offers:

Parent Education Programs
Home-visiting programs
Substance abuse treatment programs
Respite care
Parent mentor programs
Parent support groups

Take part in community prevention efforts.

Help local organizations distribute educational materials on parenting and child abuse.
Encourage local schools or other community organizations to provide parenting education.
Organize a fundraiser or a food drive to support an organization that helps families in your community.
Provide friendship and guidance to parents and children who need your help.
Make a donation to an organization that works to prevent child abuse.