GREENFIELD — Hundreds of communities across the nation participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month by raising awareness that child abuse is preventable and what community members can do to ensure families are supported. By providing services and resources to caregivers, Adair County’s local Prevent Child Abuse Council — Success4Kids Council — is dedicated to making Adair County a place where children grow up safe, nurtured and able to reach their full potential.
“Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time for communities to recognize the role they play in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families,” said Steve Scott, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Iowa. “Creating a strong foundation in the early years of a child’s life leads to better outcomes in health, learning and productivity throughout a lifetime. By working with caregivers to prevent child abuse, we’re building a stronger community for the future.”
Success4Kids invites community members to celebrate and support families this month.
Adair County Health System hosted a “blue-out” day April 4. Rumble Tumble Night was held April 14 at Adair County Health and Fitness Center in Greenfield.
A variety of vendors/services hosted activities for families with young children, while also providing information about what services they offer.
A few of the vendors included: Parents as Teachers, Adair County Health System, ISU Extension and Outreach, 4RKids and Community Partnerships for Protecting Children.
Throughout the year, Success4Kids Council works to help caregivers gain the knowledge, skills, resources and support they need to provide healthy environments for their children.
“Pinwheels for Prevention” are distributed at local agencies serving young families, including local libraries.
Information about child abuse prevention activities is shared on local websites and newsletters, including Extension, 4RKids and Adair County Health System.
“To promote this year’s Prevent Child Abuse’s theme – Healthy Families – kids at Sunshine Day Care and Nodaway Valley third and fourth graders colored paper bags showing their idea of a health family,” said Stephanie Claussen, community health coordinator and Success4Kids Council chairperson. “The bags will be available until gone at Fareway in Greenfield and Nodaway Valley Market in Fontanelle. Be sure to ask for yours at your next grocery trip.”
The Success4Kids Council serves all families with children ages 0-18.
Current programs administered through the council include part of SWCC’s Adair County Parents-as-Teachers program.
For more information, contact Claussen at sclaussen@adaircountyhomecare.org or Council Secretary Angie Engles at powella@iastate.edu.