Ways to help
Janet Schalansky, president and CEO, Kansas Children’s Service League
Originally published 02:02 p.m., April 7, 2008
Updated 02:02 p.m., April 7, 2008
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to draw attention to child abuse, and offer solutions to its prevention.
Numerous studies and decades of proven program results show that services that support and strengthen the family are effective at preventing child maltreatment and promoting good childhood outcomes. Early childhood programs such as Healthy Families, Parents as Teachers, and Early Head Start have a track record of keeping kids safe and increasing parents’ commitment to their children — all at a fraction of the financial and emotional cost of removing a child from his or her home.
Further, programs such as Parent Education, home visitation, and quality child care improve the lives of children and families and are programs from which all families can benefit.
The bottom line is children do well when their parents do well. Supporting families and ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need are effective ways to protect children against child abuse and neglect.
Would investing in early childhood and family support programs completely eliminate child abuse and neglect in our state? Sadly, no. But there is ample evidence to show it would have made a big difference in the lives of many of the 2,200 Kansas children who were maltreated last year. To find out more, visit kcsl.org or call the Parent Helpline at (800) 332-6378.