A variety of resources are available to help families and communities keep children and families safe and strong. Here are just a few:

One easy way to make a difference is to Reach OUT! When the well-being of children and families becomes the priority of everyone in a community, the number of child abuse and neglect incidences will decrease. Other good things will also happen, including better health outcomes, improved school performance and family economic self sufficiency.

It is important that every member of our community consider what they can do to improve our collective well-being. Whether it is volunteering, making donations, or advocating for family-friendly policies, everyone can take their turn in making a difference. One way to do that is to take the time to connect with children in your community—your own, and others.

Here are some ways to show children that you care:
Notice them.
Ask them about themselves.
Cheer their accomplishments.
Introduce them to new experiences.
Expect their best, don’t expect perfection.
Praise them for doing something right.
Laugh at their jokes.
Create a safe environment.
Make decisions together.
Build something together.
Inspire their creativity.
Invite them over for juice.
Listen to their favorite music with them.
Love them, no matter what.

Excerpted from Roehlkepartain, Jolene. 150 Ways to Show Kids You Care. Search Institute (Minneapolis, MN) copyright 1998.

There are also resources that you can download to help bring attention to this very important issue, including:

Community Strategies Fact Sheet
Click here to download

Prevent Child Abuse America Letter to the Editor
Click here to download

Template Press Release
Click here to download

Talking Points About Child Abuse Prevention
Click here to download

Community Resource Packet from the Department of Health and Human Services
Click here to download