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Child Abuse Prevention Month

Champion for children badge

Be a Champion for Children!

April Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an opportunity to recognize the importance of communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. In 2023, there were 58,120 victims of abuse and neglect in Texas. There’s no better time to be a Champion for Children by bringing awareness to this issue and joining DePelchin Children’s Center in our work to keep children safe and healthy.

 

A couple of ladies hanging blue ribbons on a fence

The Importance of Prevention

When parents and families have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, this helps prevent child abuse and neglect and creates strong and thriving children, youth, and families in our communities.

One of DePelchin’s prevention programs, ParentingHelp, provides parents and caregivers with the tools and support to influence good behavior in their children and prevent future problems from happening. ParentingHelp does not tell you how to be a parent. Instead, the program offers simple and proven ideas to help you deal with problem behavior, making raising your children easier and your whole family happier.

DePelchin also provides counseling services, fatherhood programs, and school-based prevention programs to support and sustain our children and the families who care for them. 


Resources for Parents

There are many resources available for parents and caregivers that focuses on concrete steps parents can take to strengthen their family. Here are a few links for parents and caregivers:

You can find more resources and tips here.

How to Report Child Abuse 

Child abuse reporting is not limited to healthcare professionals, licensed professionals, and teachers. It is important to remember that all individuals are mandated reporters in the state of Texas. Call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 

1-800-252-5400 for situations including but not limited to:

  • Serious injuries that are being neglected or not treated by medical providers
  • Suspicious injuries that occur for children ages birth-17
  • Neglecting immediate need for medical treatment (including suicidal thoughts)
  • Any known or suspected sexual abuse in person or virtually.
  • Children ages five and under with a history of being left home alone or who may be likely to be left alone