Preventing child abuse by building strong families

Monday, April 24, 2017

For every 1,000 Hoosier children, there are 17 substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect. In Putnam County, the rate is higher, at 18 cases per 1,000 children. It's the third highest among its surrounding counties but Owen County's rate is more than double the state average, with 41 cases of abuse or neglect for every 1,000 children, ranking it 7th highest in Indiana.

Protecting Hoosier children often starts at home. The Indiana Youth Institute and its community partners are teaming up to help caring adults understand the protective factors that are key to building strong family foundations.

A free workshop will last from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 in the community room of the Area 30 Career Center, 1 N. Calbert Way, Suite A in Greencastle.

Jill Atteberry Kelly with Children's Bureau Inc. will speak to attendees about five protective factors. These factors include parental resilience, knowledge of child development, social connections, stable support systems during difficult times and an understanding of the social-emotional competence of children. Attendees also will learn how to interact with families in a strength-based way.

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