What Organizations Can Do

What Organizations Can Do

Organizations can help prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in their communities. Below are some ideas that can be used as starting points for planning activities to help raise awareness and protect children. Some of these activities are specific to National Child Abuse and Prevention Month, some of them can be used year-round.

Hold a Blue Ribbion Campaign: In 1989, Bonnie W. Finney of Virginia tied a blue ribbion to the antenna of her van. When asked about it, she told people about the tragic story of the abuse of her grandchildren, and the resulting death of her grandson. Since then, millions of people across the country have participated in Blue Ribbion campaigns by wearing ribbions and getting involved in community activities to remind people that they can help prevent child abuse in their communities.

Ms. Finney originally chose blue to remind herself of the bruised bodies of her grandchildren. In recent years, some organizations have chosen to reinvent the symbol using a strength-based approach.

Volunteer at an organization providing family support services: Volunteers are always welcome at the Franklin County Children's Task Force. For more information on how your organization can volunteer please contact us at 778-6960.

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.