As health leaders nationwide recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, we have planted blue pinwheels at many of our CHKD buildings. The signs in the pinwheel gardens read: “Our pinwheel gardens serve as a visual 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 more than four million children are involved in reports of child abuse and neglect each year. It is also important to note that there are local and national efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote healthy outcomes for all children.
The HOPE National Resource Center outlines the building blocks of Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE). When these building blocks are sturdy and stacked in a child’s favor, research shows it has a long-term positive impact on their well-being. Research has also found that the presence of these building blocks can buffer the long-term negative impact of adverse childhood experiences, including abuse and neglect. You can strengthen the building blocks of HOPE for your own children and support efforts to provide every child and family with the tools they need to increase well-being.
The four building blocks of HOPE include:
- Relationships – Having nurturing, supportive relationships with adults and positive relationships with peers are critical for healthy development and support resilience in the face of challenges.
- Environment – Children need safe, stable, and equitable school and community environments. They need to have emotional security, their basic needs met, and safe places to play and interact with other children.
- Engagement – Children need opportunities for social engagement like community service, celebration of family cultural traditions, and opportunities to participate in organized activities like music, art, or sports.
- Social Emotional Growth – Children need guidance to develop positive coping skills, emotional and behavioral self-regulation, and socially appropriate communication and interpersonal skills.
Look for the pinwheel gardens at CHKD sites this April as they highlight the prevention of child abuse and neglect and foster a sense of HOPE for all children and families.
