Prevent Child Abuse America Encourages ‘Do More of What You Love’ to Help Families Thrive this April, Child Abuse Prevention Month

Chicago--Prevent Child Abuse America encourages people across the country to participate in this year’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month by sharing their talents and time to help create better, brighter futures for children and families.
“Raising a child can be challenging, so it’s important that parents and caregivers get the assistance they need to do the job well,” explained Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO Dan Duffy. “We want people to understand that by taking small steps and doing the things they love—cooking, making art or music, reading, playing sports, or interacting with pets—they can help families and their community thrive.”
In a national survey, 94% of parents said they needed help of some kind; 86% said they would be grateful for services, childcare or other support. However, in a separate study, fewer than 20% of parents said they would actually seek help.
Suggestions from Prevent Child Abuse America to make a difference in a child’s life and help support parents while doing what you love include:

• Volunteer for an after-school reading program or book club—you’ll help kids meet new friends and spark their imaginations, too.
• Give a new mom a break by bringing over dinner, offering to run an errand, or walking the dog.
• Coach a youth sports team to teach kids the value of teamwork—they’ll learn how to trust teammates and themselves.
• Host a kid-friendly BBQ or organize a block party so parents can socialize without the stress of finding a sitter—social connections with other parents helps to establish a strong support network.
• Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies and programs that promote safe healthy childhoods.

Learn how you can do more of what you love and help children, families and communities thrive at preventchildabuse.org/small-steps-2019/.
About Prevent Child Abuse America
Founded in 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America is a national organization with chapters in 48 states and nearly 600 Healthy Families America home visitation sites throughout the country. It promotes services that improve child well-being and develops programs that help to prevent all types of abuse and neglect.  Ninety-four cents of every dollar spent goes directly into programs and services, which is why it is rated as one of the top charities for children by Consumer Reports and charity oversight organizations, including Charity Navigator, GreatNonprofits, and GuideStar.
Contact:
Charles Mutscheller
Director of Communications
[email protected]