JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va.-- –
Every April, parents connect with health centers and family advocates to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Joint Base Langley-Eustis' Family Advocacy program hosts events throughout the month of April to educate parents on preventative factors to reduce child abuse, as well as show support for military children.
"This month is important for families and communities to work together in preventing child abuse and neglect," said Aillen Ford, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy outreach manager. "As with any form of abuse, even just one incident of child abuse or neglect is one too many."
Blue and silver pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse prevention, will be planted in honor of the observed month by children at the Child Development Centers on both installations. Also, information tables will be set up at the McDonald Army Health Center, USAF Hospital Langley and the Exchanges to provide resources on recognizing signs of abuse and maltreatment, as well as parenting classes held by the FAP.
"We use evidence-based practices to provide parenting programs, such as Dads 101, New Parent Support Program and Active Parenting of Teens," said Ford. "We provide parents with services that they need to learn how to alter their discipline styles and how to cope with stress."
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, military families are more at risk for child abuse due to factors such as frequent moves, separation from extended families and single parenting due to military operations.
"We want our military families at JBLE to be resilient," said Ford. "Strong families make strong forces."
Family Advocacy's mission is to prevent and treat family violence from these risks that may affect them, said Ford. Victim Advocates are available to provide education and support to parents in order to prevent negative situations.
"The African Proverb 'It takes a village to raise a child' is true," said Ford. "It takes a community of people working together, supporting one another, and educating others to learn better ways of dealing with life stressors, so they can raise happy, healthy children."
For more information or to register for events, contact the Langley FAP office at 764-2427 or the Fort Eustis office at 878-0907.