Research suggests that
many people are already playing a role in preventing child abuse and creating
great childhoods in their communities, they just don’t realize it. A study
commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America shows that only 27% of Americans
report that they are engaged in prevention. However, that same study showed
that
· 80% of
Americans reporting donating goods, money or time to an organization supporting
children and families,
· 70% reported
volunteering children through places of worship, schools, and sports or
academic clubs, and
· 56% provided
mentorship to a child in their family, neighborhood, or community.
“These numbers show that
many people are already involved in activities that prevent child abuse and
neglect, they just don’t realize it,” said Dan Duffy, President and CEO of
Prevent Child Abuse America. Some
suggestions from WCSO & Prevent Child Abuse America for how people can get
involved include:
· Volunteering to staff an after-school program like a sports or academic team.
· Mentoring a new parent
by reaching out to your neighbor and offering to help with
· Advocating for
federal and state policies that support children and families, such as home
visiting programs, paid family medical leave.
· Learning about
abuse prevention curricula in place at local schools or churches and advocating
to create one if there is not yet a program in place
· Donating time to organizations
that support children, such as by offering to be a free tutor or getting
involved with a local mentorship program
· Donating money to
organizations that fight for children and families such as a local Prevent
Child Abuse America state chapter.
Get involved and help
great childhoods happen! To learn more about Prevent Child Abuse American visit
their website.