Child Abuse and Neglect is Everyone’s Problem!

Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem greatly impacts children living in the United States. Child abuse and neglect is defined as, any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2018). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2018 there were 676,000 nationwide victims of child abuse and neglect reported to child protective services (CPS) in 2016. It is believed that 1 in 4 children experience some form of child abuse or neglect in their lifetimes and 1 in 7 children have experienced abuse or neglect in the last year, (CDC, 2018.) Research has shown that there are long-term affects to child abuse and neglect, which is also known as an adverse childhood experience. Renowned ACES Study concludes that Adverse Childhood Experiences have been linked to risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential, andearly death (CDC, 2018). Subsequently, this tremendously affects our communities and the entire world, as the total lifetime economic cost of child abuse and neglect is estimated at $124 billion each year (CDC, 2018.)

In 2015, Kentucky has the 2^nd highest rate for child abuse and neglect in the country (US Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2018). Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAKY), 2016 purports that in 2015 there were 54,177 reports of abuse and neglect statewide in Kentucky. Fayette County accounted for 3394 of those cases. (PCAKY, 2016). Approximately 2668 families were involved in the substantiation of 1593 cases in Fayette County Kentucky, PCAKY, 2016. The maltreatment of neglect accounted for 75% of all reported cases (PCAKY, 2016). Kentucky State University’s SKY Families Program is committed to partnering with the communities in which it serves to prevent child abuse and neglect by teaching nurturing parenting skills. 

SKY Families Parenting Program is a 12 week program that uses the evidenced based curriculum, Nurturing Parenting to facilitate discussion and ultimately change behaviors. Parents attend classes each Thursday for an hour and a half to discuss topics such as: 

• The Philosophies and Practices of Nurturing Parenting
• Ages and Stages of Growth for Infants and Toddlers
• Ways to Enhance Positive Brain Development In Children and Teens
• Understanding Feelings
• Communicating with Respect
• Alternatives to Spanking
• Building Self Worth in Children
• Praising Children and their Behavior
• Learning Positive Ways to Deal with Stress and Anger
• Understanding and Developing Family Morals, Values and Rules
• Effective Use of Community Resources
• Sharing Success
• Food and Nutrition.

During these lessons participants and challenged into developing alternatives to spankings, learning new techniques to aid in conflict resolution, adopting effective communication and active listening skills and learning to developing standards and increasing their self-worth. Parents complete a Pre and Post assessment for the program as well as weekly in class worksheets, activities and class evaluations. Participants are also asked to complete a program evaluation during the conclusion on the program whereas some have indicated that they have:

“I learned a lot.”

“I learned to communicate with my child. Now I feel as if I can talk to them about anything”

“I learned how to control my temper and not get angry as much.”

“Learned to manage their stress by taking walks, journaling and actually speaking with a therapist.”

“Helped me understand children more”

“Learned different approaches to discipline my son.”

“It has helped me understand how to nurture and handle my children feelings, etc.”

“I will be more open to my children talking and giving advice on how to handle their feelings.”

“I’ve learned how to hopefully be more tolerant and patient, especially with my two year old because he is simply just learning every day.”

“I will focus more on listening and meeting my child’s needs as a whole, both emotional and physical.”

“I will understand more that the children need my help.”

“The program has taught me alternatives to discipline (spanking), ways to let children participant in conversations.”

During the 2017-2018 fiscal year, Area Agent III, Carla Jordan of the Kentucky State University’s, SKY Families Parenting Program had 305 contacts in which 31 families were served with 26 families successfully completing the program. This program is a valuable resource to the community because it teaches prevention and intervention skills that helps families to strengthen families. It is also free of charge to the community which eliminates the barrier of access to services. A light meal and childcare is also provided which furthermore decreases barriers and increases involvement.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018. Child Abuse and Prevention, retrieved from             https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/index.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018. About Adverse Childhood Experiences.          Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/about_ace.html.

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2018). What is child abuse and neglect? Recognizing the     signs and symptoms. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,       Children’s Bureau. Retrieved from            https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan/

Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, 2016. Data Facts-CY2016. Retrieved from             http://www.pcaky.org/images/files/Copy%20of%20CPS%20%20CDV%20Reports           %20by%20County%20CY2015_correction%2002-26-16.pdf