| During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our commitment to prevent child abuse and neglect and to work to enable our children to realize their full potential.
The impact of child maltreatment is profound. Research shows that child maltreatment is associated with adverse health and mental health outcomes in children and families, and those negative effects can last a lifetime!
In addition to the impact on the child, child abuse and neglect affect various systems, including physical and mental health, law enforcement, judicial and public social services, and nonprofit agencies as they respond to the incident and support the victims.
One analysis of the immediate and long-term economic impact of child abuse and neglect suggests that child maltreatment costs the nation as much as $258 million each day, or approximately $94 billion each year.
Childhood is a formative time and abuse can have devastating long-term effects on young lives. In order to provide a safe environment for our young people, parents must work to protect their children from the dangers that threaten them. Family members, educators, public officials, and faith-based and community organizations all play important roles in helping to ensure that children are safe and can grow surrounded by love and stability.
The Calhoun County Family Resource Network wishes to underscore their commitment to helping children thrive, develop character, and learn to be responsible citizens in an environment of security and love. "By increasing the public awareness of this national celebration of Child Abuse Prevention Month, this April, we hope that all
community members have an opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of a child and help build a brighter future," commented Jean Simers, Coordinator of the Calhoun County Family Resource Network. More information can be obtained by visiting www.childwelfare.gov or www.preventchildabuse.org
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