Remember that children are the future
Children are our future and their early years have an enormous impact on their future health and success. Child abuse prevention is one result of a firm community commitment to support children and the families raising them. You can help by making a donation right now.
Recognize prevention is a shared responsibility
Parenting is the toughest job any of us will ever undertake, and our most important civic contribution. As parents we have enormous responsibility to raise our children to be productive members of society, and as citizens we are responsible for ensuring that all parents and families have access to the support, information and services they need to succeed.
Raise the issue of prevention
We all care about the issue of child abuse. But, we hear a lot more about the problem than we do about the solutions. Preventing child abuse means setting the stage for healthy, stable families who have the tools they need for nurturing their children. Help your community understand prevention.
Ask your elected officials to support programs and services, like those at Covenant to Care for Children that help children and families. Contact your local school district and faith based organizations to encourage them to participate in our Adopt a Social Worker Program or sponsor classes and support programs for new parents.
Reach out to kids and parents
Anything you do to support kids and parents in your family and extended community helps reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect.
Commit to mentoring an at-risk youth for one year.
Be a good neighbor. Offer to baby-sit. Donate your used children's clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family through our Critical Goods Program. Be kind and supportive, particularly to new parents and their children.
Recommend ideas that your community can use
There are many programs, services and actions that support families and prevent child abuse.
Facilitate friendships and support. Offer opportunities for parents in the neighborhood to get to know each other, develop support systems, and take leadership roles, such as volunteering to serve on the Board of Directors at Covenant to Care for Children.
Strengthen parenting. Develop ways for parents to get support on parenting issues when they need it. Possibilities include: classes, support groups, home visits, helping place our tip sheets in pediatricians' offices and other places parents frequent, and resource libraries.
Respond to family crises
Offer extra support to families when they need it, as in times of illness, job loss, housing problems and other stressors. Link families to services and opportunities: make sure families know where to go for job training, education, health care, mental health and other essential services.
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Adapted from Building on Strengths: Enhancing Protective Factors for Children and Families, National Clearinghouse of Child Abuse and Neglect Information. (v2009)
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