Strong communities strengthen families

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and is a time families and communities come together and raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. We also honor the victims affected by abuse and promote social change to have each child grow up safe, healthy, and happy.

The 2018 Command Navy Instillation Command campaign for Child Abuse Awareness Month is, “Strong Communities Strengthen Families. Be informed, Be attentive and Be Supportive.”

The Fleet and Family Support Center is asking for individuals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. Keep an eye out for the children around you and learn the risk factors attributed to child abuse.

As a family or as an individual you can offer to assist parents in stressful times and ask, “How are you?” to family, friends and neighbors with young children.

Listen to moms and dads when they need to talk and provide resources for help when it is needed.

The Navy has put together prevention programs for the prevention of child abuse such as the Family Advocacy Program. The New Parent Support is a secondary prevention program under Family Advocacy.

New Parent Support is a free program for all branches of service, which is designed to help families meet the challenges of parenthood, while maintaining a military lifestyle.

The professionals of New Parent Support know that being a parent can be very rewarding and sometimes challenging. The program supports families with concrete help in times of needs and support by offering parent education in child development and community or military resources if needed. We teach a nurturing philosophy and emphasize attachment to children through home visits and classes.

Home visitation is New Parent Support’s main focus and provides a safe environment within the home for parents to express concerns, feelings, and ask any questions. The program is designed for expecting parents and families with a child less than 4 years of age. We offer prenatal home visits and classes such as, ‘Baby Boot Camp’ and ‘Feed Your Baby.’ After the baby is born, New Parent Support offers’ Infant Massage Classes,’ which promotes a wonderful bonding experience for parents and babies.

Have any questions on childbirth, breast feeding, calming a crying baby, toilet training, discipline or any other concerns? Call Jane Ramsey, New Parent Support at The Fleet and Family Support Center at (361) 961-2368.

The Fleet and Family Support Center is located on the 4th deck of the Naval Health Clinic.

Additional resources for addressing child abuse include:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – www.childhelp.org/hotline/ - 1800-4-A Child 1 800-422-4453

Military OneSoursce– www.militaaryonesourse.mil – 1 800-342-9647

Texas Department of Child Protective and Regulatory Services intake hotline 1 800-252-5400.