April marks 2013 Child Abuse Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Glenn Garcia
  • 90th Medical Group Family Advocacy Program outreach manager
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and F. E. Warren Air Force Base, along with Air Force Global Strike Command, is scheduled to host events across the command and the local installation to raise awareness about the role everyone can play in valuing children and strengthening military families.

Thousands of military children suffer abuse or neglect every year, due primarily to family stress and/or lack of parenting knowledge. The Family Advocacy Program was developed to target both of these issues with parenting education, support and resources for parents and ensure children are safe from violence and abuse.

The New Parent Support Program is another valuable resource that helps first time parents with children under the age of four years.

"The biggest challenge is getting families at Warren to utilize the program and take advantage of the tremendous assistance and support they could receive as they become first time parents," said Heather Hartnell, New Parent Support Program nurse.

Many of the families at Warren are young parents with young children, and the parents may be struggling with parenting challenges and the work schedule required of active duty members stationed here. All families are encouraged to take advantage of the programs available before the stress and operations tempo have a negative impact on the family.

Every year, 3.3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States. These abuse statistics can be overwhelming, but they are reminders that no one can afford to look the other way. Everyone can find a way to make a difference so that children reach their potential. The 2013 Child Abuse Prevention Month theme, "Insure Their Future: Invest in Children," promotes the need for meaningful involvement by parents, concerned individuals, communities and military leaders.

This year, the Family Advocacy Program will be partnering with the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to host several events to raise awareness across the base. To promote the 2013 Prevention Month theme, a campaign poster will be displayed at several locations across the installation showing faces of children with the caption, "Invest in My Future." Each caption will include what that child wants to be when they grow up. Family Advocacy will be partnering with Freedom Elementary school to take photos of the children (with parental permission).

The second major event will be a Strike-Out Abuse Bowling Event held at the Bowling Center. This event will take place on 30 April 13 from 1300 - 1630. Squadrons and organizations are encouraged to form a team of four to come out and bowl to support child abuse prevention. Challenges will take place between base leadership and other base organizations. Information tables will also be on display during the bowling event to raise awareness and to inform military members of the various programs on base available to support children and military families who may be struggling with this issue.

Lastly, several information displays will be set up at various locations across the base including but not limited to the medical clinic, base library and Base Exchange mall area. Children's posters will also be on display at these various locations.

Please know that each of you plays a vital role in supporting children and military families. Take action when you suspect that a child may be abused or neglected. Contact Family Advocacy at 773-4228 to report abuse or to sign up for many of the self-help workshops available for parents or families who want to increase their personal knowledge or parenting skills. Classes are offered monthly at various locations across the installation.