05 Oct Local Leaders Proclaim Sunday, October 4 as TEN-4 Day
Local Leaders Proclaim Sunday, October 4 as TEN-4 Day
Kosair Charities Face It Movement Hosts Child Abuse Prevention Trainings to Promote TEN-4 Bruising Rule
Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org
LOUISVILLE, KY – Local leaders from across the commonwealth proclaimed Sunday, October 4th as TEN-4 Day in their respective jurisdictions, in honor of the technique to recognize concerning bruising on young children and to emphasize the importance of training adults on recognizing, reporting, and preventing child abuse.
The TEN-4 Bruising Rule is an easy-to-remember tool that says: for children 4 years of age or younger, bruising on the Torso, Ears, or Neck, or any bruising anywhere on a baby not yet pulling up or taking steps, is a red flag for child abuse and may necessitate action, such as making a report to Child Protective Services.
The Kosair Charities® Face It® Movement is proud to partner with the following leaders who proclaimed Sunday, October 4th TEN-4 Day 2020:
– Mayor of Bowling Green Bruce Wilkerson
– Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery
– Daviess County Judge/Executive Al Mattingly
– Mayor of Florence Diane Whalen
– Mayor of Lexington Linda Gorton
– Mayor of Louisville Greg Fischer
– Kenton County Commissioners
– Mayor of Owensboro Tom Watson
“Keeping kids safe is an adult responsibility. Especially during a time of ongoing physical distancing practices and children and families being less connected to schools and child care centers, the community must recognize the role we each can play in preventing and ending child abuse,” said Keith Inman, President of Kosair Charities. “We are grateful to our many local leaders stepping up to recognize the importance of TEN-4 Day. Too many kids across the Commonwealth experience abuse or neglect each year, and this recognition emphasizes a commitment from our leaders to prioritize our most vulnerable Kentuckians.”
The Face It Movement and Kentucky’s child abuse pediatricians and experts at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville are training community members in honor of TEN-4 Day between September 30 – October 8. Nearly 1,000 social workers, health and oral health professionals, educators, and other concerned community members are registered to be trained on this important rule, among other child abuse prevention and recognition techniques.
“Delta Dental of Kentucky is proud to partner with Kosair Charities in their effort to end the horrific issue of child abuse in the Commonwealth. Dentists and dental hygienists are in a prime position to recognize abuse and make a report when needed. The TEN-4 bruising rule offers an easy to remember reference tool when completing routine check-ups with young patients,” said Jude Thompson, President and CEO of Delta Dental of Kentucky.
Kentucky has the highest rate in the nation of child victims of substantiated abuse and has double the national rate for child victims under age one. The Face It Movement and its more than 100 partners located across the Commonwealth are committed to ensuring parents and caregivers, along with others in the community, have the tools and knowledge needed to prevent child maltreatment.
“We must confront Kentucky’s number one ranking by working to instead become number one in keeping kids safe, and a big component of that is emphasizing the importance of our prevention-focused work. The more supported and connected caregivers feel, the more likely they are to ask for help when they need it. Let’s offer new parents, especially, opportunities to ask for help, encouragement to practice self-care, and reassure them that they can do this,” said Dr. Melissa Currie, Chief of Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialists at the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
View the video and brochure on the TEN-4 Bruising Rule at www.faceitabuse.org/ten4rule/. Register to attend an upcoming training at www.faceitmovement.org.
All adults in Kentucky are mandated reporters of child abuse; reports can be made at www.reportitky.org or 1-877-KYSAFE1.
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About the Face It Movement:
The Face It Movement launched in 2013 as an initiative led by Kosair Charities in response to the number of child abuse deaths in the Commonwealth. Face It focuses on a three-pronged approach to addressing child abuse and neglect: promote best practices in child abuse prevention and intervention, build awareness and engage the community, and advocate for effective policies to improve the child welfare system. Learn more at faceitabuse.org.