April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Lawanna Barron
  • Family Advocacy outreach manager
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  April is designated as National Child Abuse Awareness Month and communities across the country are urged to promote this month-long observance to increase awareness of child abuse and its long term effect on children and families.

It is a time for the military, individuals, schools, businesses, hospitals, religious organizations, and social service agencies to join forces and make a difference.

In the year 2000, nearly 2,400 children were found to be victims of child abuse each day. Everyone can participate in efforts to eliminate and prevent this serious threat to children.

Moody's Family Advocacy Program offers the following suggestions to help prevent child maltreatment in the community.

-Help parents in the community

Parents can plan a get-together to discuss and find solutions to parenting challenges. There are many programs available such as the Family Advocacy Program, Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Youth Center and the Moody Chapel.

Offer parents a break if they seem to be under a lot of stress. Form a cooperative and take care of their children for a while so they can relax.

Parents of children under the age of three can also benefit from attending the Tater Tots play group each Friday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Youth Center.

-Respond when abuse is witnessed in public

Strike up a conversation with the parent to direct attention away from the child. Praise the child and parent at the first opportunity. Divert the child's attention (if misbehaving) by talking to the child.

-Examine parenting practices

Parents are the most important people in children's lives. What is said to them and how they are treated determines how they feel about themselves.

Offer them honest praise at every opportunity. When feeling troubled or lonely and when pressure builds, do not lash out anger toward a child. Stop and take a deep breath. Being a parent isn't easy for anyone and sometimes it's very hard. Take the first step and reach out for help.

The Moody Integrated Delivery System and base agencies sponsor the following classes which are helpful in parenting: Great Expectations, Dad's 101, Bundles for Babies, 1, 2, 3 Magic, Common Sense Parenting and Active Parenting of Teens.

Other services are also available through the Give Parents a Break Program which offers free childcare one Saturday per month for children under the age of 12, the Youth Center, Child Development Center, Family Home Childcare Program, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Health and Wellness Center, Moody School Liaison and the Moody Chapel.

-Report suspected abuse or neglect

Protecting children requires everyone to report suspected abuse or neglect. AFI 40-301 requires all active duty members and civilians to report any suspicion of child or spouse maltreatment to the Family Advocacy Program by calling 257-4805. The Family Advocacy Program is located in the 23rd Medical Group.