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steps for reducing child abuse, neglectApril is Child Abuse Prevention Month, dedicated to recognizing and reducing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect in the United States. According to the latest data (Federal Fiscal Year 2005) 899,000 children were victims of abuse or neglect and an estimated 1,460 children died. Experts agree that most child abuse and neglect is the result of parents and adults who are not necessarily bad people, but who are isolated, overwhelmed, uninformed or distressed. Five protective factors have been identified as necessary in reducing child abuse, and are critical for strengthening all families, not just those that are at risk for neglecting or abusing a child. Those factors are: Nurturing and attachment: For a child, being loved and nurtured is necessary when creating a bond with a caregiver. A healthy bond affects all aspects of behavior and development. Safe, secure, and predictable interactions with a caregiver helps the brain and nervous system develop in a healthy way and creates the foundation for such traits as impulse control, empathy, and compassion. Knowledge of parenting and of child/youth development: Interactions with a child, including discipline, will go smoother when parents have a good understanding of child development including specific behaviors associated with specific ages, and the limits of the child's abilities. A great deal of frustration occurs for a child when a parent expects too much, and then withdraws attention or affection when the child does not respond as the parent wants. Parental resilience: Resilience is the ability to successfully handle everyday stressors, as well as recover from occasional crises. A parent with a positive attitude, flexible problem solving skills, and an appropriate sense of humor will find it easier to cope with problems and challenges, and be less likely to respond in an abusive manner. Social connections: Connections to other people provide needed encouragement and assistance when difficulties occur. Research has found that social isolation and perceived lack of support frequently leads to child maltreatment. Some of the best support comes from other parents and adults "who have already been there." Concrete support for parents: For some parents, just providing basic necessities such as food, clothing and shelter is difficult. Since all of these factors affect a family's ability to care for their children, contacting such agencies as SRS, the local Ministerial Alliance, or the Salvation Army for assistance can be an important step in being a good parent. Contributed by Ken Loos, MS, LMLP, LCP Prevention, Education, and Outreach Department. Mail questions to: High Plains Mental Health Center, PLAIN SENSE, Prevention, Education, and Outreach Department, 208 East 7th, Hays, KS 67601; or visit www.highplainsmentalhealth.com. 4/14/08 Date: 4/8/08
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