31 Aug Five Ways Your Organization Can Take Part In TEN-4 Week

Every year, the Kosair Charities’ Face It Movement raises awareness of the critically important TEN-4 Bruising Rule by hosting a series of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma (PAHT) Prevention & Recognition Trainings for professionals and community members throughout the state to learn to recognize the signs and report potential child abuse. 

 The TEN-4 Bruising Rule reminds us that for children 4 years of age or younger, bruising on the torso, ears, or neck or any bruising anywhere on a baby that is not yet pulling up or taking steps are cause for concern and need to be reported.  

In Kentucky, where we have over double the rate for child victims of abuse under age 1, every adult is a mandated reporter.  That means that we ALL have a responsibility to keep our kids safe from child abuse and neglect.  

Whether or not your organization serves kids and families, there are several ways your organization can take part: 

1. Attend a PAHT training. In the efforts to end child abuse, knowledge is our best tool. The more you know, the more you can help those that have already been victimized and prevent it from happening again.  
2. Promote the TEN-4 Bruising Rule. Sharing information on recognizing child abuse and neglect equips adults with the knowledge and tools needed to understand the warning signs, how to report suspicious bruising, and ways to support families to prevent it from happening in the first place. 
3. Get TEN-4 Day proclamations in your city or county. A proclamation is an official designation of an event or awareness day. Proclamations are a great way to educate the public about a specific issue and bring attention to a cause. We invite community partners and advocates to secure TEN-4 Awareness Day proclamations in their communities. 
4. Order materials. Check out Face It’s list of free educational resources and order print copies to provide to your staff, clients/customers, friends, and family. 
5. Support families with young children in your organization and community. Simple acts of kindness can help reduce parental stress. This can include making a meal for a new parent, encouraging parents, or offering respite by caring for their children. For your staff and employees, this could mean ensuring families are supported by their employers with family friendly policies and practices, such as paid family leave and paid-time off or sick leave options. 

For more information on how YOU can play a role in child abuse prevention visit faceitmovement.org. 

 Blog by Carli Mosby- Smith, Kentucky Youth Advocates – Image courtesy of Pexel.com