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Kentucky

All Kentuckians are mandated reporters. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protection Hotline.

1-877-KYSAFE1 or 1-877-597-2331

For contact information in other states, please visit our Report It page.

Additional Support:

Child help: National Abuse Hotline:
1-800-4-CHILD
or 1-800-422-4453

TEXT ALERTS!

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Sign up Online

 

5 Ways to Support a New Parent

 New parents come in all forms. Whether they’re foster, kinship, single parents or two-parent households they all need support. 

Here are some helpful ways to support new parents and caregivers:

  1. Remind new parents and caregivers to take care of their physical and mental health and that it’s okay to spend time doing the things they enjoy even if it means taking some time away from their new baby. Parental guilt is real!
  2. Call, send a text, or video call to see how they’re holding up. New mothers face a greater risk of loneliness and social isolation that can lead to postpartum depression. Be reassuring and offer solutions if they ask.
  3. Listen to their needs and concerns and offer solutions if they ask. That support can help new parents feel like they are not alone.
  4. Ask if they need help with everyday tasks. Offer to deliver their groceries. We know it can be difficult to go grocery shopping with a new baby, and that can cause heightened  anxiety for parents and caregivers who need to go shopping but may not have a partner to watch the children while they step out.
  5. Respect the new parents’ rules for health and safety. If they are not ready to welcome visitors, even those who are fully vaccinated, offer to have a virtual meet-up instead, or stay in regular contact through calls and texts. If parents’ are okay with visitors, remember to keep your kisses to yourself. As much as you may want to kiss an adorable new baby, this should be avoided. Newborns have fragile immune systems, which make them extra susceptible to illnesses and infections.

 

Parenting is tough, and it’s up to all of us to build a healthy and safe community for children.

Blog by Tina Agonva, Kentucky Youth Advocates– Photo credit: Hessam Nabavi, Unsplash