01 Apr Keeping Kids Safe from Abuse and Neglect as Community Members

Child abuse and neglect is preventable and every Kentuckian has a unique role to play in keeping kids safe. In the efforts to end child abuse and neglect, knowledge is our best tool and it starts within the community. We are all members of a community, whether that’s our neighborhood, church, child’s school, or just out and about in our hometown. Understanding that child abuse and neglect can occur in any zip code and within any family can help us realize that keeping kids safe, and supporting families, is up to all of us.

Here are a few things to know:
— Child abuse can and does happen in families that we know and love, and maybe least expect.
— Every Kentucky adult is a mandated reporter of child maltreatment. If you suspect abuse, it is critical to report it so further abuse is prevented.
— Knowing the early warning signs of maltreatment and how to report suspected abuse is critical to keeping kids safe.

Throughout April, we will be sharing tools and resources around supporting families and keeping kids safe. We encourage you to learn more about child abuse prevention efforts and resources in your communities and to share that information with those around you. Learn more.

Check out this video from Dr. Darlene Davis Goodwine, the founder of Parents Zone and lead researcher of the Parenting Outcome Recovery, Resilience, Engagement and Support or P.O.R.R.E.S. Lab at Kentucky State University about Keeping Kids Safe from Abuse and Neglect as Community Members.