Support Child Abuse Awareness Month - April

Go Blue Day!

On Thursday, 4 April wear blue to show your support of Child Abuse Awareness Prevention Month. 

The National Wear Blue Day is 5 April 2024, however, Fridays are days for multiple end of the week meetings and Admin efforts for many Teams and offices.  Would like for Installations to have as many individuals to wear blue and attend activities that may be scheduled for that day as well.  This effort is in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the significance of “Prevention and Intervention” with blue ribbons, balloons and other symbols in abundance! 

Please capture in Photos!  

Do you know how to support our littlest troops? 

Learn everyday ways to keep children safe and healthy. 

It's often the little things that pose the biggest risks. 

Do you know how to protect your children?

Get up-to-date, inside information designed for military families on these topics and many more:

• Ways to keep your baby safe during sleep
• The right age to leave kids on their own
• Positive ways to discipline at every age
• Coping skills and self-care strategies for parents

5 Ways to Prevent Child Abuse

Every adult in the community can play a role in supporting an protecting military children. If you're worried about the well-being of a military child, share your concerns with Family Advocacy Program (FAP) staff. They can help you determine what to do next.

1. Know the signs.

• Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Always preparing for something bad to happen
• Frequently lacking adult supervision
• Fading bruises or other marks after an absence from school
• Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes
• Being frightened of a parent or caregiver
• Abusing animals or pets

2. Be a trusted adult.

Let children know they can come to you with any concern and that you will:

• Listen without judgment.
• Believe them.
• Help and support them.

3. Make the call.

If you witness or suspect child abuse or neglect, do the right thing:

• Call your installation’s Family Advocacy Program.
• Call your local Child Protective Services office.
• Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453.
• Call 911 or military law enforcement if a child is in immediate danger.

4. Identify trusted adults.

• Talk with your child about specific people they can trust.

• Discuss when your child should talk to a trusted adult.

• Let them know they can go to another trusted adult if the first one doesn’t help.

5. Empower your child's voice.

• Teach children early about healthy body boundaries.

• Tell them to trust their feelings.

• Encourage them to say forcefully, “I don’t like that,” or “Stop touching me.”

• Remind them to leave a situation that makes them uncomfortable.

• Ask them to tell a trusted adult right away if something makes them uncomfortable.

• Talk with them about how to listen to and help their peers.

Start Prevention Tips Early

While all adults can make a positive impact in a child’s life by following these tips, parents and caregivers play an important role in protecting children. Parents and caregivers, talk with your children about tips 4 and 5 early and often.

Share these resources.

Teach your kids healthy body boundaries. Click link here.

Support for military kids. Click link here.

5 Ways to Prevent Child Abuse - information flyer

Protect Our Children -information flyer

Parents: Share support, ask for support.

It takes a community to raise our kids right. If you see a parent who needs help, reach out. And if you need support, don't be afraid to ask. Help is available from our military community - especially for new families. Contact Military OneSource or your New Parent Support Program to access resources including:

• Home visits for new or expectant parents - learn about safe sleep, nutrition, behavior and more, all at home.
• Referral to resources - learn what's available at your installation and in the community.
• Prenatal care, parenting classes and playgroups - we can help you connect with local resources.

Find more MilParent Power tips and ideas for improving your parenting skills at www.MilitaryOneSource.mil/MilParent Power

For additional information, please call or visit Carlisle Barracks Family Advocacy Program Office (717) 245-4357