April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

GARDNERVILLE, Nev.

Staff Reports

April is designated as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage the support of children and families. It is a time to recommit to the health and well-being of children.

The Family Support Council and Douglas County's Purple Ribbon Coalition will distribute information regarding child abuse identification, reporting, and prevention to area businesses, health care facilities, day care centers and schools.

Fifth- and sixth-grade students are encouraged to write one-page essays on strengthening family relationships. The "Building Strong Families" essays are due to school teachers or the Family Support Council Family to Family coordinator by April 17. First- and second-place prizes and certificates of participation will be awarded 5-7 p.m. April 23 at the Family Support Council office, 1255 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville.

Also during Child Abuse Prevention Month, Family Support Council sponsors the Community Links Blue Ribbons for Kids event on April 23.

Community members are encouraged to suggest ideas on how to prevent child abuse and neglect on a paper link, connected to form a chain representing joining of hands and hearts in support of children. Displays posted in businesses during April will have information on the Community Links programs and on preventing abuse and neglect and pre-cut links to use for sharing ideas.

Residents may be unaware of how widespread child abuse and neglect are, but child abuse is everyone's business. In a time when families face increasing financial and other stressors, it is crucial to become familiar with the signs of child abuse, how to report suspected abuse, ways to help strengthen families and prevent child abuse.

Join Family Support Council in participating in Child Abuse Prevention Month to ensure children grow up safe, healthy, and strong. Information, call Ellen or Teresa at 782-8692.