April Is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

April Is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

Brewster, NY – April 11, 2016 – Every kid deserves a great childhood that’s carefree and full of promise. The Child Advocacy Center and Prevent Child Abuse New York “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign are using pinwheels to plant that message in Putnam County with the help of County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “Pinwheels are a happy and uplifting token of childhood. They are meant to convey that every child deserves the chance to be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment,” said Odell. “Putnam County is a great place to raise a family. Join us as we plant a pinwheel garden to show that our community supports children.”

The Pinwheel Garden will be planted on Friday, April 15th from 1-4 p.m. in front of the Sybil Ludington Statue at Lake Gleneida on Route 6 in Carmel.
“The CAC has long advocated that education is imperative to preventing child abuse and continues to partner with local agencies to implement innovative programs to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing of the children of Putnam County,” said CAC Program Coordinator Marla Behler. “As more prevention education programs become available, it is clear that people understand the importance of early and comprehensive prevention of abuse, not just responding to it after it occurs.”
According to Prevent Child Abuse America, research documents pervasive and long-lasting effects of child abuse and neglect on children, their families and society as a whole. Effective child abuse prevention programs ensure the health of children and families, allowing children to grow into adults who prosper and contribute to society.

The “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign is based on the belief that communities must be more proactive to prevent abuse. It’s not enough to simply respond to cases of abuse through prosecution and intervention—programs and policies that focus on child development, engage communities and create conditions that give parents the supports they need to succeed are essential. These programs and policies include strategies such as home visiting, parent education, mutual self-help support, mental health treatment and substance abuse treatment.
Among the tips provided by Prevent Child Abuse New York are acknowledging that parenting is a tough job. Reassure a parent coping with a difficult situation in public. Help amuse a restless child. Bea a good neighbor and get to know the families in your neighborhood and point out the special things they do for their children. For your own kids, be patient and really listen when they speak to you, and make it a priority to spend time with them, undistracted by work and the other demands on your time.
For more information on child abuse prevention programs call the Child Advocacy Center of Putnam County at (845) 808-1400 or Prevent Child Abuse New York at 1-800-CHILDREN.