April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

National Child Abuse Prevention month was created to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.  According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, 65 Arizona youth died as a result of maltreatment in 2007 – 75% of them were four years old or younger. 

No one parent, grandparent, teacher, neighbor or elected official can do everything.  But everyone can do something to support children and parents and help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.  This information about preventing abuse and neglect comes from Prevent Child Abuse America:

Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand.

Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care.

Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another's children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved.

Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.

Volunteer your time and money for programs in your community that support children and families, like parent support groups or day care centers.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Arizona Child Protective Services toll-free child abuse hotline: 1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445).