April marks the start of Child Abuse Prevention month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of protecting children. According to the Kansas Department for Children and Families, during fiscal year 2024, there were more than 1,014 substantiated findings of child maltreatment in Kansas. Child abuse impacts child development and increases the risk of experiencing other forms of violence.
TFI urges all caregivers and community members to review the following tips for preventing child abuse.
Be a nurturing parent: Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.
Help a friend, neighbor or relative: Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand in taking care of the children, so the parent(s) can rest or spend time together.
Help yourself: When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel overwhelmed and out of control—take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.
If your baby cries: It can be frustrating to hear your baby cry. Learn what to do if your baby won’t stop crying. Never shake a baby—shaking a child may result in severe injury or death.
Get involved: Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.
Help to develop parenting resources at your local library: Find out whether your local library has parenting resources and if it does not, offer to help obtain some.
Promote programs in school: Teaching children, parents and teachers’ prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.
Monitor your child’s television, video and internet viewing/ usage: Excessively watching violent films, TV programs and videos can harm young children.
Report suspected abuse or neglect: If you have reason to believe a child has been abused or harmed, contact Kansas DCF at 1-800-922-5330.
“As a community, people need to speak up if they suspect child abuse,” says Donna Rozell, vice president of family services. “It is important that people become trauma-informed and to contact the proper authorities if necessary.”
