The Family Tree recognizes the importance of community-based support for all children and families during National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in April. The theme of the April 2024 Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month is “Building A Hopeful Future, Together.”
- Throughout CAP Month, Prevent Child Abuse America and The Family Tree are are building a narrative of hope for children and families through collaboration and the creation of an ecosystem of primary prevention. Communities must build positive futures together in partnership.
- Each day is an opportunity to build the foundation for our future. Prevent Child Abuse America and
its powerful network of prevention advocates and practitioners from coast to coast is poised to provide families what they need before they are in crisis. But we know we can’t do this alone – we all have a role to play as healthy partners in our communities. - Building healthy communities takes work. We all have a responsibility to ensure children have positive experiences, and help families have the resources they need, when they need them.
- Strong communities are built on stable foundations. Everyone benefits when we focus on addressing
underlying causes that lead to health and social inequities. - Sometimes, building for the future means deconstructing the past. Proactively addressing inequity and injustice allows us to support safe, stable, and nurturing environments.
- Policies and programs that put families first build all of us up during uncertain, stressful times. Working in partnership can allow us to relieve some of the overload experienced by parents and caregivers.
- Children who live in families with access to economic and concrete support are less likely to experience abuse and neglect.
- We must change the way our society values and cares for our children and families to address the
structural and social determinants of health and wellbeing, including poverty and systemic racism. - All children, parents, and families should be able to access the support and resources they need, when they need it, in their own communities, without stigma before they are in crisis.
- Prevention is hard work, but it is also heart work. We listen to families and lift them up.
- Positive childhood experiences build healthy families and strong communities.
- Childhood lasts a lifetime.
The Problem
In Maryland, a child is reported abused or neglected every 10 minutes. For every reported case of abuse, two go unreported. Child abuse and neglect cost Maryland taxpayers $1.5 billion each year. Yet for every $1 invested in our cause of prevention, it is estimated that the state saves $15 on treating its long-term effects.
The Solution
Prevention is the answer. The Family Tree is the leading authority in Maryland for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Each year, we reach more than 26,000 individuals with research-based programs, services and trainings that empower families and provide support to communities and professionals. Our services range from a single conversation on our Parenting HelpLine, to a supportive relationship that can last a lifetime. They include:
- Parenting Classes
- Home Visiting
- Anger Management Classes
- Children & Youth Services
- Parent Leadership & Support Groups
- 24/7 Parenting HelpLine
- Community Education, Outreach & Training
- Child Care Training & Technical Assistance
- Connecting Families with Quality Child Care
- Public Policy & Advocacy
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect
We all have a role to play when it comes to preventing child abuse. All Maryland citizens should report suspected abuse or neglect to the local department of social services or to a local law enforcement agency.
Suspected abuse or neglect can be reported by calling:
1-800-91Prevent
(1-800-917-7383)
Resources
Understand the Facts
Child abuse and neglect are defined by Federal and State laws.
What is child sexual abuse?
To be effective in preventing child sexual abuse, we must have a clear understanding of what it involves.
Talking With your Child about Sexual Abuse
Children and young people are bombarded with information and misinformation every day. Start with good communication…
Mandatory Reporting
The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requires each state to have provisions or procedures for requiring certain individuals to report known or suspected instances of child abuse and neglect.
Spread Awareness and show support by wearing Blue with us on April 5, 2024!
Post a picture in your best blue and tag us on social media
@familytreemd
Join us:
A panel discussion will focus on the current impact of child abuse & neglect to include community, professionals, educators, legislators, policy makers, investigative researchers, educators, and spiritual perspectives. Attendees will also participate in break out groups to develop strategies to help raise awareness and decrease child maltreatment throughout Maryland.
Seats are limited. Registration is required.
Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/reducingchildabuseandneglect
Sharable Social Media Images
Please share to your profiles to help spread the word!
familytreemd.org/child-abuse-prevention-month
