KillerOrange!

The Child Abuse Prevention Center Supports Families At Risk for Abuse

Orange, CA – February 23, 2009 – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, aiming to create awareness about child abuse and urging the community into action against this growing epidemic. For the past 26 years, the Child Abuse Prevention Center, has built its programs and service platforms on the foundation of preventing child abuse and breaking the generational cycle of child abuse. In the last year alone, the Prevention Center has helped more than 15,000 children, 3,800 parents and 4,300 families.

There is nothing more tragic than the loss of a child, no matter what the circumstances. But when a child is abused or killed at the very hands of their parents or caregivers, the horror and realization sets in that someone could have, and should have, done something to protect that child.

“We are not living in gentle times. Recent stories of child abuse in the news underscore the need to reach more children and families at risk for potential abuse. Too many families are riddled with violence, poverty, as well as substance and child abuse,” comments Scott Trotter, Executive Director of the Child abuse Prevention Center. With sickening persistence, reports of child abuse and neglect continue to pour in.

Did you know that more than 40,700 child abuse cases were reported to Orange County authorities in 2008? That’s 111 children per day! This may come as a shock, given that Orange County is one of the most educated and affluent counties in the United States, but the statistics tell the true story.

Prevention is the key. The Child Abuse Prevention Center supports families at risk for abuse with programs aimed at improving their coping skills and parenting skills. By providing simple basic needs such as clothing, food, and even diapers, families will be better equipped to handle their children’s emotional, physical and developmental needs.

Currently, there are waiting lists for our programs, and additional funding is necessary to meet the demand. As a community and as responsible citizens, we need to make children our biggest priority. It’s not enough to simply be outraged…in the end, the only way to ensure that more children won’t be abused is to give their parents the tools and resources they need before it’s too late, and that takes action on all our parts.

The devastating effects of child abuse are life-long and have generational consequences. Providing parents with the necessary tools and support to be successful parents will prevent future child abuse. By supporting the Child Abuse Prevention Center through financial and volunteer contributions, many more families will be able to find the strength and resources they need to raise safe, healthy, and productive children. Come join us and be a part of the solution.

The Child Abuse Prevention Center is dedicated to serving at-risk children and families with programs that break the generational cycle of child abuse and family violence. The Prevention Center’s early intervention programs have well-documented records of strengthening and improving parent-child relationships and working to prevent abuse before it occurs. Since 1983, the Prevention Center has served more than 200,000 Orange County residents. For additional information, please visit the Prevention Center’s web site at www.BrightFutures4Kids.org.