April is national child abuse prevention month

Every child deserves to grow up in a loving, nurturing home. Studies show that families thrive when they have social connections and support; nurturing and secure relationships; a sense of health and wellbeing and stability.

Sadly, this is not always the case. Children do not always tell others when they are hurting or when their needs are not met. They often feel they are to blame, wondering if only they would be a better child, or get better grades in school, or perhaps if they were a little quieter, things may get better. Children should not have to take on the role of “making things better.”

April is designated as Child Abuse Prevention Month; however, prevention can not only happen in April. We encourage everyone to take a more active role in child abuse and neglect prevention. You may ask how you can help? Get involved with children, be a positive role model. This can be through a church group, a scout troop, the children in your family and/or neighborhood. Volunteer to coach or be a mentor. Allow kids to be kids, to have fun in a safe and nurturing environment. Allow them to fail while learning new skills or activity.

Offer support to a stressed-out parent. They are the foundation of the family. By recognizing they may need support to be a more nurturing parent is also prevention. You don’t have to wait until the family is in crisis mode, having a regular “time out” for parents could be life changing. Do you have a family member, neighbor or friend that just needs a break?

In April you will see blue pinwheels throughout Huntington County. These pinwheels symbolize hope, resilience and a community commitment to the prevention of child abuse and neglect within Huntington County. To learn more about Child Abuse Prevention visit PCAIN or call the Department of Child Services Huntington County at (260) 356-4420.

Jan Williams
Prevention of Child Abuse
Huntington County and Child Protection Team

About Prevent Child Abuse Indiana: Prevent Child Abuse Indiana (PCAIN) is dedicated to being the leading voice for preventing child abuse in all its forms across Indiana. We fulfill this mission by raising awareness, educating communities about solutions, serving as a trusted resource for families and organizations, advocating for stronger prevention policies, and fostering a statewide network committed to protecting children.