A Community Approach to Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and healthy environment. Everyone in the community can help vulnerable children and their families by helping to prevent and recognizing child abuse and neglect. The Pikes Peak region has a long history of community support of children and families. Be a voice by educating yourself and others with information and resources, many can be found on https://co4kids.org/child-abuse-prevention/.

Community Effort

The Not One More Child Coalition was created after there were 10 fatalities due to abuse or neglect in 2011 in El Paso County. The Not One More Child coalition was created in January 2012 by El Paso County Commissioner Sallie Clark and 4th Judicial District Attorney Dan May with the goal of not seeing one more child in El Paso County die as a result of abuse or neglect. Representatives from more than 40 organizations in El Paso County were a part of the coalition focused on child abuse and neglect prevention. There were seven task force groups focusing on communication, hospitals and the medical community, data, a hotline, first responders, military, and faith-based community. The resulting collaborative efforts resulted in a significant decrease in abusive head trauma and fatalities due to abuse and neglect. Although the coalition no longer meets, collaborations among community partners and government entities are ongoing.

Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting Hotline:

  • 1-844-CO-4-KIDS
  • 1-844-264‑5437
Child Abuse Prevention Month Pinwheel Support Group
County staff, elected officials, community members and others celebrate the installation of a giant pinwheel for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April 2017.

Center on Fathering

Center On Fathering – The Center on Fathering offers a continuum of services designed to meet the needs of fathers in our community: education/training, support groups, outreach, and resources/referrals.

Contact Information

For more information about the Center on Fathering and its programs, contact:

  • (719) 634-7797

Fathers do not need to have involvement with the Department of Human Services to work with the Center. Dads wanting to improve or enhance their relationship with their children can fill out the Center on Fathering Referral Form and email it to DHSCenteronfathering@elpasoco.com. There is no charge for services.

Resources

Trainings:

Childhood Trauma in Juvenile Justice

OTHER COURSE DETAILS

Format: Live, online course

Duration: 2 Hours

Who Should Attend: Individuals and organizations that work directly or indirectly with youth in the juvenile justice system.

To register click here: www.peacefulhouseholds.org/juvenile-justice

Childhood Trauma and Adversity Trainer Program

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

·Foundational Teachings

  • Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

  • A common language for all teachings

  • Relationship between trauma/ACEs and the long-term impact on social, economic, mental, and physical health

  • The generational impact of trauma

  • Impact of trauma, the pandemic, and technology on executive function

  • Relational health

Post-Pandemic Trends and Observations

  • Increased dysregulation from technology overuse and social isolation

·Application of Foundational Teachings

  • Recognizing and responding to Childhood Trauma and Adversity in real-world environments (home, work, family & child services, early childhood, child advocacy, education K-12, foster care, juvenile justice, and more)

  • Trauma-informed practices

  • Relationships

  • Self-regulation, co-regulation

To register click here: www.peacefulhouseholds.org/childhood-adversity-trauma-trainer

Babysitting & Child Care Training

The American Red Cross offers babysitting and child care classes in the region.

These small posters on “How to Select a Safe Caregiver” can be shared and printed for posting in public spaces:

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. The hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with professional crisis counselors who—through interpreters—provide assistance in over 170 languages. The hotline offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are confidential. The number is 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

Center On Fathering – The Center on Fathering offers a continuum of services designed to meet the needs of fathers in our community: education/training, support groups, outreach, and resources/referrals.

Family Resource Network – The organization provides the education, and programs for children and families including a variety of parenting classes. Most insurance plans are accepted and rates vary. Visit the website or email shawntel@familyresourcenetworkco.com for more information.

Online Parent Class – The for-profit website offers educationally based online classes designed to teach parents more effective skills to better interact with their children and others involved in the parenting process.

Mapping Child Abuse and Neglect Data

Child abuse and neglect can happen in any location, any kind of family and any type of economic situation. However, mapping child abuse and neglect data can reveal trends, especially as the population in our region changes.