April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
This month and throughout the year, CASA for Children encourages
all individuals and organizations to play a role in making the community a
better place for children and families. CASA which stands for Court Appointed
Special Advocates supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for
abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent
homes.
Research shows that when parents possess six protective
factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for
children, youth, and families are promoted. The six protective factors are:
- Nurturing and attachment
- Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
- Parental resilience
- Social connections
- Concrete supports for parents
- Social and emotional developmental well-being
April is a time to celebrate the important role that
communities play in protecting children.
Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and
promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and
families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment
and promote optimal child development. For more information visit www.childwelfare.gov.