Blue pinwheel gardens have been planted at CHKD locations throughout the area as a reminder to celebrate children, support and strengthen families, and create communities where children can be safe from harm and free from abuse and neglect.
We know that over four million children are involved in reports of child abuse and neglect each year. It is also important to know that there are local, state, and national efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote healthy outcomes for all children.
We, as individuals, can support those local, state, and national efforts and personally make a difference. This is our call to action.
What can we individually and collectively do to stand up for children?
Show up for a child.
- For children, a critical component of resilience, or the ability to cope with challenges, is the presence of at least one charismatic adult in their life. Be a person that a child can trust and confide in.
- When children feel heard, valued, and protected, they grow up to hear, value, and protect the next generation. The cycle of generational abuse and neglect can be curtailed.
Reach out to a parent.
- Become a mentor to someone feeling overwhelmed by the parenting journey.
- Provide meaningful connection and conversation with a parent to decrease stress, loneliness, and isolation.
- Provide concrete resources or referrals for parents struggling to meet their family’s basic needs. Share this website to get families to the resources they need: Resources757.org
Advocate.
Advocate for local, state, and federal policies and financial resources that support family well-being and resilience, such as:
- Funding to train and support child welfare staff and frontline healthcare workers in topics related to trauma, cultural competence, and parental engagement.
- Providing safe shelter for children and non-offending family members experiencing domestic violence.
- Providing parental leave and affordable childcare.
- Using your voice to maintain effective programming and create positive change. Learn more about Voices for Virginia’s Children at VAkids.org.
- Look for the pinwheel gardens at CHKD sites this April as they highlight the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect. Make a commitment to stand for children and make a difference.
