Preventing Child Abuse—the Work of Everyone—Every Day

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Georgia is joining its 44 community-based chartered councils, including Prevent Child Abuse Catoosa, to focus on the responsibility that we all share for the health and well-being of children, not just in April, but every day of the year.

“It’s not enough to recognize that child abuse exists,” said DePriest Waddy, chief executive officer of PCA Georgia. “Preventing child abuse means understanding the conditions that make children vulnerable to harm and taking the action necessary to improve those conditions.”

Throughout the month, communities in Georgia and across the United States will participate in activities to raise awareness for child abuse prevention, and to renew their commitment to valuing the life of every child.

“During the month of April, we want to increase awareness about child abuse prevention in Catoosa,” said Phil Ledbetter, chair of PCA-Catoosa. “As we come together, we want to acknowledge the good work taking place here. Let’s spotlight our accomplishments, and do more of that good work.  Please join us.  Child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility and is important every day of the year.”

Ledbetter offers suggestions of what individuals can do to help prevent child abuse:

  • Share PCA Georgia’s 1-800-CHILDREN Helpline number as a source of support and access to community resources.
  • Partner with parents. Acknowledge that parenting is hard work. Understand that all parents have strengths and help families build on those strengths.
  • Know your neighbors and watch out for children in your neighborhood. Make your community a place where people support and look out for one another.
  • Reach out to children with a smile or word of encouragement. It means a lot.
  • Advocate for policies and programs that support children and family stability.
  • Give of your time and resources to organizations working to build strong families and healthy communities.

“As members of families, neighborhoods and communities, all adults share the responsibility for the safety of children, and each has opportunities to help ensure that children grow up nurtured, safe and healthy,” said Waddy. “Preventing child abuse is the work of everyone, every day.”

Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Georgia and its community-based chartered council network have provided leadership for the prevention of child maltreatment more than 25 years, and share the core values of valuing children, strengthening families and engaging communities. 

To find out more about child abuse and ways to prevent it, e-mail Phil Ledbetter at philip.ledbetter@gmail.com, call him at 706-935-5018, or call PCA Georgia’s Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373).  Information is also available at pcageorgia.org.

Contact:
William Valladares
Communications Coordinator
404-527-7394 (x114)
william@gafcp.org