Everyone has a part to play in preventing child abuse

Following a brief introduction from Family Support Services of West Central Indiana Executive Director Scott Monnett (standing), Putnam County Commissioners (from left) David Berry, Rick Woodall and Tom Helmer sign a proclamation recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, the Putnam County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Putnam County a better place for children and families.

The Task Force is thankful for the support that government leaders, business partners and individuals in the community provide during April and throughout the year in supporting parents and families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, everyone 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. These six factors are:

• Nurturing and attachment;

• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development;

• Parental resilience;

• Social connections;

• Concrete supports for parents; and

• Social and emotional developmental well-being.

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said Healthy Families Program Director Sherri Nield. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development.”

Putnam County provides multiple programs and supportive agencies to assist families in developing the six protective factors listed above. To learn more, submit an email to info@pcfss.net or call 653-4820 to connect with the Healthy Families Program.