April is Prevent Child Abuse Month
Published April 11, 2012 @ 9:51 a.m.
To put a spotlight on National Child Abuse Prevention Month the Garza County Commissioners Court recently adopted a resolution in support of this focus on preventing child maltreatment and promoting well-being.
“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said Garza County Judge Lee Norman. “Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and families, is the best thing our county can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development.”
Resolution
Office of the Garza County Commissioners Court
WHEREAS, nearly 200,000 children in Texas are reported as abused or neglected every year; and
WHEREAS, child abuse prevention is a community responsibility and finding solutions depends on involvement among all people; and
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and
WHEREAS, everyone in the community should become more aware of child abuse prevention and consider helping parents raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Garza County Commissioners Court, does hereby proclaim the month of April 2012 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Garza County, and urge all citizens to work together to help reduce child abuse and neglect significantly in years to come.
Dated the 26th of March, 2012
Lee Norman, Garza County Judge
Research shows that when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. The six protective factors are:
• Nurturing and attachment
• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
• Parental resilience
• Social connections
• Concrete supports for parents
• Social and emotional developmental well-being
Editor's Note: In support of the emphasis this month in Garza County on preventing child abuse, the Garza Post will publish a series of articles dealing with the prevention of child abuse in its diverse forms.