In 2010, 9,586 children were victims of abuse or neglect in Alabama representing a
15.6% increase from 2009. Of these children, 37% were neglected, 50% were physically abused, and 23% were
sexually abused.
April is
National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year,
CAS
encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in
making Alabama
a better place for
children and
families. By ensuring that
parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care
for their children, we can
help promote children’s social and emotional
well
-
being
and
prevent child
maltreatment within
families and communities
.
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
Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website to learn more about how you can help prevent child abuse. The site features:
- Preventing Child Maltreatment and Promoting Well Being: Network for Action 2013 Resource Guide, a guide to help service providers strengthen families using the six protective factors.
- Tip sheets—in
English and Spanish—for parents and caregivers
that addresses concerns including stress management, raising grandchildren,
connecting with teens, and more.
- Three calendars—one each for prevention programs, parents, and community partners—providing suggestions for protective factors-related activities for the month of April.
- A new prevention video gallery featuring videos from national child abuse prevention partners.
- Child Abuse Prevention Month widgets which can be posted on your website to help promote the initiative.