GREENFIELD – Success4Kids Council and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa are joining communities across the state this month in celebrating the importance of social connections and working to strengthen social well-being during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. Agencies and individuals across sectors are encouraged to know the warning signs of children’s mental health issues to support community efforts to improve mental health development for children.
Mental health is connected to social, emotional and cognitive development and is a foundation for a healthy life, healthy community and healthy state. When children’s mental health needs are met, they are more likely to do better in school, graduate and more likely to be healthy, productive adults in the community.
Caring and supportive relationships are the keys to strengthening social well-being, a primary indicator of overall health and essential factor in preventing child abuse and neglect.
During April, to invite community members to get involved and participate in caring connections and strong communities during Child Abuse Prevention Month:
• Pinwheels for Prevention – Look for Pinwheels around in the community, at Adair County Health System and libraries (will also have coloring sheets) – a symbol of happy childhoods and Prevent Child Abuse,
• April 5 - Wear Blue, take a picture and share for Child Abuse Prevention Month
• from 5 to 7 p.m. April 15 – for Adair County Toddlerfest – free meal, activities and resources for families and young children
• to be scheduled – Look out for future sign up information for Youth Mental Health Crisis Training – sponsored by Crisis Interventions and Advocacy Center, Adair County Health System and Community Partnerships for Protecting Children – a great way for parents and caregivers to learn how to identify and help youth experiencing a mental health crisis
“We will be at Toddlerfest from 5 to 7 p.m. April 15 at Nodaway Valley Elementary to bring attention to the simple ways you and I can create caring connections in our community,” said Stephanie Claussen, Success4Kids Council Chair. “Our children are our future and if we take action not just in April but every day, we can go a long way toward creating stronger communities where abuse and neglect never occur.”
The architecture of a child’s brain is built over time. Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) such as community violence or parental substance abuse can damage brain architecture, but secure, loving relationships, stimulating experiences and healthy environments can build a solid foundation to support children into adulthood. Health promotion, prevention and early intervention for children’s mental health needs, particularly when experiencing ACEs, is essential to aid in healthy development.
Social supports and caring connections strengthen families, mitigating the negative outcomes of childhood trauma and reduces the risk of child abuse or neglect. Connected communities have lower crime rates, better physical and mental health, and less money is spent on treating social problems.
Community members can take action for child abuse prevention year-round by participating or volunteering for local early childhood programs, helping a friend or family member in need, learning the signs and reporting suspected child abuse, mentoring and donating to prevention programs, such as Success4Kids Council.
Success4Kids Council is a nonprofit that collaborates with community partnerships to prevent child abuse and provide services to Adair County families including 4RKids, Parents as Teachers, Community Partnerships for Protecting Children, Crisis Interventions and Advocacy Center, Adair County Extension, MATURA, Child Care Resource and Referral, American Lung Association and more. The group meets every other month on the second Tuesday at the Adair County Extension office.
To learn more, contact Claussen, Success4Kids Council President and community health coordinator with Adair County Public Health/Adair County Health System at sclaussen@adaircountyhealthsystem.org, visit the website at www.adaircountyhealthsystem.org/home_public_health.html or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Success4Kids.