Even seemingly small actions can help prevent child abuse. That’s why Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAKY) encourages people across the state to participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April.
Since 2008, more than 5 million blue pinwheels have been distributed for Pinwheels for Prevention
gardens nationwide, drawing attention to the need for effective programs and policies that ensure
the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children and their families. Prevent Child Abuse
Kentucky organizes a pinwheel garden on the Capitol lawn each year in correlation with Child Abuse
Prevention Month. (Photo courtesy of Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky)
As locally elected representatives of Kentucky’s schools, school board members are uniquely positioned to draw attention to critical issues facing families. While every district is unique, the effects of abuse and neglect are felt throughout the Commonwealth. Abuse represents one of many preventable adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that often create barriers to learning for students.
“We all share a responsibility for the physical, emotional and mental well-being of children and their families,” said Jill Seyfred, of PCAKY. “I encourage everyone in the state to do what they love this April and help ensure great childhoods in their community.”
A summary of 2018 data from the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services shows that 32,408 children across Kentucky were involved in 16,654 Child Protective Services (CPS) reports found to be substantiated or in need of services. While the number of investigations dropped slightly from the previous year, the number of unique children involved in those cases has increased 25 percent since 2014. For a listing of state cases by county, visit www.pcaky.org/child-abuse-prevention-month and click on “CPS CDV Reports in 2018 by County.”
The focus in April, however, is on the positive impacts of prevention activities. Prevent Child Abuse America, the nation’s leading prevention organization, advocates how small steps can make a big difference in a child’s life.
“We want to help people understand that it’s possible to do the things they love – cooking, making art or music, reading, or playing sports – and, at the same time, help families and their community thrive,” said Dan Duffy, Prevent Child Abuse America president and CEO.
Five ways to help prevent child abuse
•
Raise awareness: April 5 is “Wear Blue Day” in support of child abuse prevention, and districts may designate a day in April for their own observances. Encourage your fellow board members to wear blue to your regularly scheduled April school board meeting. Take a moment during the meeting to affirm your district’s support of happy, healthy families. Take photos of yourself and other board members in blue and post to the district website or on social media using the hashtags “#WearBlue4KYKids” and “#WearBlue”.
•
Host an expert: Invite a professional from your district staff or a local agency to present at a board meeting on topics related to child abuse prevention, student well-being, parent engagement, adverse childhood experiences, etc. As an alternative, provide an opportunity for staff to highlight in-district programs that support student and family well-being.
•
Advocate: Contact your legislators in Frankfort and urge them to support policies and programs that promote safe healthy childhoods.
•
Study up: Commit to learning more about child abuse/neglect and the preventative steps your community can take. Start by visiting Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky at www.pcaky.org.
•
Volunteer: Read to a classroom. Sign up to be a volunteer assistant coach. Speak at a student club meeting. Serve lunch in the cafeteria. Participate in activities that encourage community engagement and that help to build the confidence of students.
Click here for a comprehensive Child Abuse Prevention Month resource kit, including facts, activities and templates.