April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Have you seen community members wearing blue ribbons around this month? It might be a fashion choice, but it also might be a way to show support for the Blue Ribbon Campaign during Child Abuse Prevention Month. The ribbons are used to remember victims, raise awareness, and acknowledge efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. Want to learn more or get involved? The website for the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes useful information and links (check it out at http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/). Especially, take a look at the Activity Calendar for simple ways to address child abuse in your community throughout the month. Some suggestions include praising good parenting or asking children who is important to them.
Here are the Minnesota Child Maltreatment Screening Guidelines.
In Rice County, here is the link to child protection web page.
As an attorney practicing family law, I’ve seen the painful consequences of child abuse and neglect. Please try to take a minute from your day to consider this important issue and the role you can play in preventing child abuse.
