JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - –
Each April, family advocacy programs, health centers and parents across the United States come together to raise awareness to support Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Family Advocacy Program will host events throughout April, to show support for military children and to provide parents with lessons and tips on knowing the signs of child abuse and how to prevent it.
"This month is really important to help parents understand the importance of prevention when it comes to child abuse," said A.J. Brandt, Family Advocacy Program outreach manager. "Each member of our community can play an important role in the life of a child by reporting any suspected child abuse or neglect to keep our children safe."
Children at Child Development Centers on both installations will plant blue and silver pinwheels, the national symbol for child abuse prevention, in honor of the observance month. Also, personnel will set up tables at the McDonald Army Health Center, Langley Hospital and the installation Exchanges with information on parenting under stress, recognizing signs of abuse and maltreatment, and parenting classes provided by the FAP.
"We provide parenting classes using specialized curriculums for each age group so parents can alter their discipline style as their children get older," said Brandt. "The key is teaching parents different methods of discipline other than spanking and providing services parents need when they are dealing with more stress than usual."
According to the Department of Human Services, military families are more likely to face unique risk factors such as intermittent single parenting due to military operations, frequent moves and separation from extended families.
"Those factors can add stress and make parents more vulnerable to losing their temper when disciplining children," said Brandt. "We provide these important services as an added support system for the families and we focus on prevention so families can avoid negative situations."
For more information or to register, contact the Langley FAP office at 764-2427 or the Fort Eustis office at 878-0807.