Kerry, a teen mother, is frustrated because her 18 month old son, Jack, will not stop running in the house. Through her tears, Kerry explained to her Social Worker that Jack consistently refuses to listen to her although she tells him repeatedly to stop. Jack has already fallen several times while running in his socks, and according to Kerry, he still has not learned his lesson. The Social Worker advised Kerry to continue parenting Jack with patience, persistence, and a positive attitude. She reminds Kerry that Jack is naturally exploring as a toddler; just as Kerry explores as a teenager. As Kerry has shared this frustration several times, she finally made the connection that the social worker implied. As a teenager Kerry has admitted that she often doesn’t listen to her parents and that children sometimes test their boundaries; a lesson Kerry said she can relate to.
Fortunately, Kerry is a participant in the statewide Parent Linking Program (PLP), a program that helps teen parents finish their education but also become the best parents they can be for their children. PLP is a program for teen parents which is provided free of charge in high schools that includes a social worker who provides regular counseling to students like Kerry. All teen parents in PLP are encouraged to be more responsible and nurturing parents as they balance the responsibilities of being a student-parent. In PLP, Kerry’s Social Worker reminds her consistently of the positive outcomes she can continue experiencing if she avoids having another unintended pregnancy; specifically while she is still in high school.
May is Prevent Teen Pregnancy Month where national awareness and participation is encouraged in an effort to prevent unintended teen pregnancies. These efforts are especially important for those who live with and/or work with teens who are already parents. Over 700,000 teen pregnancies occur each year in the United States; most of them, 80%, are unintended pregnancies. Each year, the Parent Linking Program (PLP), of Prevent Child Abuse-NJ reminds over 200 teen parents to make plans for healthy family choices and avoid subsequent unintended pregnancies. Although teen pregnancy in New Jersey has declined, there are still 6,000 teen parents statewide who could use support in preventive efforts to avoid unintended pregnancies.
PLP, a School Based Youth Services Program funded by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, was created because it is a proven fact that children born to teen parents are at greater risk of being neglected and abused due to lack of knowledge, resources, and finances. In exchange for free child care, program participants are required to attend the weekly parenting and life skills workshops, in addition to the normal academic curriculum required for graduation. These components prevent present and future child abuse and neglect by enhancing the teenage parent’s self-esteem, knowledge of parenting and child development, and ability to meet financial responsibilities by helping the teen parent complete high school and delay repeat pregnancies.
Fortunately with the support of the parents/guardians of the teen parents and the support of PLP Coordinators (Social Workers, Directors, and Caregivers) 95% of the program’s participants do NOT have a second unintended pregnancy. Often in home visits, PLP Coordinators discuss with family members the importance of the consistent reminder of responsible family planning.
Most PLP participants express good intentions with their children despite their challenges. They are usually challenged with sacrificing their time, money, and even personal space (sharing bedrooms with their children). Participants are reminded that a repeat unintended pregnancy can add harmful stressors to the teen mother as well as her child. In addition, stress puts repeat births of teenagers more at risk of preterm and low-birth weight in comparison to their first births.
The Parent Linking Program’s 25 year history has proven that the program’s services can lead to powerful changes in the communities of New Jersey. 95% of the teen parents enrolled in Parent Linking Program have graduated high school and, 90% planned to attend college. Many of the PLP program alumni and current participants speak to their peers in school about their challenges and ways to avoid unintended pregnancies. Teen pregnancy prevention can be a communal effort sharing messages of responsibility in the homes, schools, cultural centers in every community. Fortunately, New Jersey is one of the lowest ranking states in teen pregnancy rates. In May, and every day, please remember that supporting a teen parent is increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes; high school and college degrees, greater job and life skills, and of course, happier and healthier children.
While PLP has trained professionals counseling the teen parents, these professionals also encourage the parents and guardians of teen parents to talk about pregnancy prevention. If you are a parent, here are some tips to help you navigate the discussion on pregnancy prevention:
In May and throughout the year, spread the message to a teenager that avoiding an unintended pregnancy is a responsible decision.
Most people may not know that February is Dental Health Month. Well, now you know. If you are the type of person that is meticulous about oral care, GREAT!!! But, if you aren’t, after reading this you might want to run to your dentist’s office.
Oral care starts before birth. For many of us, our oral history is directly related to that of our mother’s. So eating a nutritionally balanced diet during pregnancy is important and a great way to create a positive path towards good oral health. Secondly, when a child is born, just because their teeth aren’t usually visible doesn’t mean that you ignore oral health until the child starts teething. Parents should take the time to wipe out their baby’s mouth with a soft washcloth and tap water after each feeding. For those of you who are asking why tap water and not spring water – tap water contains Fluoride, the same main ingredient used in toothpastes. Another benefit of wiping out a baby’s mouth is that this prevents thrush, white patches that develop over time because of yeast build up in a baby’s mouth usually found in breast milk or formula. Once your child’s teeth start to grow, you should use a kid’s soft toothbrush to brush away the bacteria that forms from milk or baby food. This is also the time to start familiarizing your child with the dentist. A baby’s first dental visit should take place by their first birthday.
As a child grows, it is beneficial to lead by example. If you want your child to brush their teeth, you can start by having them watch you as you brush your teeth. Your “mini-me” is going to want to emulate everything you do so make sure you set a good example. You can start the process by having your child pick out a toothbrush they like. This way, they will be excited to brush their teeth. In addition, choosing a toothpaste that tastes good to your child and singing a song will also make it easier to get them to incorporate brushing into their daily routine. Tooth time will feel less like a chore and more like a fun activity for your child. As a parent or guardian, you will still need to assist your child through the oral care process because until a child is about 8 years old, they may not know how to or understand the importance of flossing. To get them to floss on their own in the future, you may want to show your child how it’s done while facing a mirror or show them an animated video.
Now that you have established an oral care routine with your child you can add a fluoride rinse to your regimen. Fluoride rinses, such as Listerine, aide in washing away bacteria and promotes fresh breath. The added fluoride also helps to strengthen teeth to reduce the risk of cavities and gingivitis. For children you may want to use an alcohol-free rinse in order to avoid the harshness of traditional fluoride rinses.
We at Prevent Child Abuse-NJ are providing this informational blog to ensure that you, the parent, who serves as your child’s first and most important teacher, have the tools to ensure your child continues to have a happy, safe and healthy childhood. Since these are such important reasons to visit the dentist regularly, why not start the tradition of family dentist visits with your child.
Remember to brush twice a day, floss once a day, replace your toothbrush once every three to four months and have a dental check-up twice a year.
Check out the following websites for more information:
http://www.dentalcare.com/media/en-US/dhm/DHM2012-EducGuide.pdf
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tc/basic-dental-care-infants-and-children
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dental/DE00001/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://www.babycenter.com/0_thrush-in-babies_92.bc
http://www.nickjr.com/kids-videos/blues-clues-toothbrush-tango.html
http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-floss-their-teeth/
http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.35080/t.35080/pr.3.html
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x0V80KXHXFY
Now that you have all the tools for a successful oral health routine, it’s time to use them. Go and make a dentist appointment for you and your family. Make February 1st dental health day.
Recently, Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) released a report that finds that our youngest children –those younger than age 3 — were far more likely to die from child abuse and spend longer times in foster care than older children. The report is a valuable wake-up call that raises public awareness about the high levels of stress for parents with young children and a number of long-standing weaknesses in the foster care system. The report calls for better training of child welfare workers and special attention to the special issues of babies and toddlers.
Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey supports these excellent recommendations and while they may be necessary, they are not sufficient to fully address the challenge of child maltreatment that lies before us.
Child maltreatment – most notably physical abuse and neglect – happens to younger children in all settings for many of the same reasons it happens in the foster care system: younger children can present some of the most difficult challenges for parents because their communication skills are limited and their behavior can be trying even for the most stable and successful parents. And many parents lack sufficient knowledge about healthy child development to be a positive parent.
Federal statistics and NJ show that the highest rate of maltreatment happens to children under age 4 and the 80% of all fatalities from abuse occur to children younger than.
So certainly, ongoing reforms are needed in the foster care system to reduce the risk of child abuse for our youngest children.
But maybe more importantly, we have the opportunity to PREVENT these tragedies from occurring before a foster placement becomes necessary and before a child becomes a victim.
Improving the training of child welfare workers can be helpful, but strengthening proven prevention programs like home visitation would yield better results. Although home visitation programs have been expanded, we are only able to serve a small percentage of families in high-risk situations. We should also consider requiring foster parents to participate in home visitation programs to more closely monitor the stress level in this new temporary family setting, which would provide added education and support to prevent a tragedy.
The foster care system is a result of our most fundamental failure to prevent child abuse. Our first priority should be to strengthen our efforts to prevent child abuse from ever happening. Research about prevention programs shows they save lives, improve a child’s long-term health outcomes and success, and save taxpayers money by preventing the downstream costs of foster care, law enforcement, health care, treatment for substance abuse and mental health issues, incarceration and unemployment.
Anytime there is a case of child abuse, we need to back up from the crime and ask, “What could have been done to prevent this from ever happening?” In addition to helpful recommendation by ACNJ about reforms in the child welfare systems, there are many valuable opportunities to do better to prevent child abuse in NJ.
Dear Friends,
We recognize the extraordinary challenges and stresses facing parents in our State. The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, followed by an early Nor’easter, caused millions of New Jersey residents to lose access to the basic necessities – food, shelter, clothing, water and electricity. These unprecedented events came on top of other forms of devastation related to the economic downturn that caused many to lose their homes, jobs, and security for their families.
With Jerry Sandusky’s sentencing now complete there will be a temptation for our country to close the book on this story and focus on other concerns that impact us, such as job creation, the economy, and ensuring our national security. But to do so would be to ignore another concern that impacts all of us: the on-going responsibility of adults to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy lives. To neglect this lesson is to dismiss the reality of the adverse consequences on our communities when a child is abused.
This sentence must not be the end of something; but the beginning of something new. As a nation, we can learn from this tragedy and make the individual and collective commitment that we will ensure the safety of children we think are in danger, we will support community organizations that work tirelessly to help families in need, and we will make the commitment of good stewardship to our children’s development.
As upsetting, and tragic, as this event has been, it has also increased awareness about how we can prevent sexual abuse by understanding the ways predators groom children; and how sexual abuse is less a tale of “stranger danger,” and more about the potential danger to children who are betrayed by a trusted adult or peer acquaintance.
Because of this event the norm of silence about child sexual abuse is beginning to become a more open and honest discussion about what it takes to ensure healthy child development. Institutions in communities across the nation are refining how they deal with situations like this and how they can prevent them from ever occurring again.
Given this, we challenge all adults to see today’s sentence as a call to action, and a moment where they can pledge to do what’s necessary to prevent child sexual abuse in their own communities by:
“From a tragedy such as this, hope can emerge, and the future health of not just our nation’s children and their families, but the nation itself can be addressed,” said James M. Hmurovich, President & CEO, Prevent Child Abuse America. “Today is a new day, and while we will not forget what brought us here, it can be the start of something healthy and positive. We hope you will join us, because what could be more important than the health and happiness of our children and their families…. Nothing I can think of.”
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ABOUT PREVENT CHILD ABUSE NEW JERSEY
Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey, incorporated in 1979 as the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, works in all twenty-one counties of the state to eliminate child abuse and neglect in all of its forms for all of New Jersey’s children. All of the organization’s work is research-based and built around nationally-recognized models. The nonprofit coordinates a full spectrum of family support programs including home visitation services, parent education groups, initiatives that promote parental involvement in a child’s education, and programs for highly vulnerable families.
The first week of Child Abuse Prevention Month 2012 has New Jersey off to a great start! Pictures, events, and stories are pouring in to us, so we wanted to share back some of what you all are doing out there along with us.
The Kappa Delta Sorority at TCNJ held their Shamrock ‘N Run 5k back on March 24th at Mercer County Park once again this year. We hope to have some video up from the event soon, but in the meantime, here are the runners about to take off!
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This past Wednesday, April 4th, was the National Day of Hope in honor of victims of child abuse. Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital held a candlelight ceremony at the Magic Fountain (located outside the hospital) at noon with the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital family. Check out their Facebook post for even more pictures and additional information about the day and event.
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Finally, North Elementary located in Newport, MI sent along a great batch of photos for our annual pinwheel photo contest! Here is one with a pinwheel garden and their principal:
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We can’t wait to get your pictures and stories! Drop us a line at pinwheels@preventchildabusenj.org so we can promote all the great things happening throughout the state. Any picture you send also gets you entered into our “Pinwheel Contest” — you can win a coffee & donut breakfast as well as a $100 gift certificate toward next year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month materials!
As you have no doubt read in our weekly recaps throughout April (one / two / three / four), Child Abuse Prevention Month 2011 was a fantastic success. We received so many stories from across the state, and could not have asked for a better community to work with. The response was overwhelming — our website received a whopping 63,000 hits during the month of April, the best we have ever seen.
One thing that folks have been asking about is our Pinwheel Contest. We are finally ready to announce that the winner is…
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Congrats to the Cape May Healthy Families-TIP program! The photo of little Sophia Giuliano epitomizes everything about a safe, happy, healthy, and nurtured childhood. Check out our full press release announcing the winner, and be sure to enter next year!
We have one last tidbit from the month to share with everyone. This great story comes to us from Robins’ Nest in Glassboro, whose commitment to children gained the attention of Mayor Leo McCabe!
Robins’ Nest Makes a Difference in the Lives of Children and Families
Glassboro, NJ – Robins’ Nest is supporting our community’s children and families by promoting positive childhood outcomes and ensuring that every child benefits from a happy, healthy and safe childhood. April was Child Abuse Prevention Month and in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse – New Jersey for the Pinwheels for Prevention Campaign Robins’ Nest offered citizens, businesses and community groups an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children.
Pinwheels remind us of carefree, happy childhoods and are a visible symbol of the kind of childhood every child deserves. Child abuse can be prevented and we all have an important part in making that happen. When we work together to promote nurturing parent-child interactions, teach discipline that is safe and age-appropriate, and foster early learning opportunities, we actually support child development and healthy family relationships – the very actions that help and are proven to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Anthony DiFabio, Chief Executive Officer of Robins’ Nest said, “While we will never waiver in our efforts to support and nurture those whose lives have been inextricably altered by child abuse, we as an agency and society can and must do more to prevent the abuse from ever happening.”
In New Jersey, too many children are exposed to intensive stress like child abuse and neglect. These exposures can be devastating to child development. This is where prevention is so critical.
Mayor Leo McCabe presented a proclamation to Robins’ Nest in support of this effort, declaring April 2011 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Glassboro, New Jersey.
Doesn’t every child deserve to grow up in a healthy and safe environment?
About Robins’ Nest Inc.
Robins’ Nest is a private, nonprofit 501(C) (3), children’s services organization dedicated to ensure the safety of children and enhance their well-being in a family setting. This is accomplished through a wide array of quality, community-based residential and in-home services, which encourage and empower children to become responsible members of the community. The agency employs over 225 therapists, clinicians, psychotherapists, nurses, and other staff to administer over 40 programs to over 7400 children and families annually. Robins’ Nest serves the seven counties of Southern New Jersey through its main campus in Glassboro, N.J., and satellite offices in Egg Harbor Township, Elmer, Mullica Hill, Salem City and Vineland.For more information on Robins’ Nest Inc., please visit www.robinsnestinc.org.
Photo: Mayor Leo McCabe of Glassboro (left) presents a Proclamation to Anthony DiFabio, Chief Executive Officer of Robins’ Nest, in front of the pinwheel garden in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Once again we extend an enormous “Thank You!” to everyone who participated in Child Abuse Prevention Month this past April. We look forward to working with you throughout the entire rest of the year and beyond!
The fourth week of Child Abuse Prevention Month 2011 brings us more tips and a wealth of new pictures!
Below is the latest round of tips we have posted over on our Twitter account (follow us: @pcanj):
The home care agency People Care of New Jersey, Inc. sent along a photo of a great poster board they created showcasing their motto: compassion, dedication, education.
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Magical Rainbow Preschool in West New York, NJ sent along a bunch of pictures, including this one the staff put together themselves:
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Their dedication to children never ceases to impress us! Here’s what they had to say:
Thank you for allowing Magical Rainbow staff, students and parents to participate in such a vital important subject in our life. As family workers for the school we work hard to prevent all types of abuse and to make our community aware that there is help out there and we are there if needed. We enjoyed putting together these posters that I have attached in the email to spread the word for all to see to prevent all types of abuse. Our children are the most important part of our future — they will be the ones to make the difference.
The next couple pictures come to us courtesy of Brick Avon Academy in Newark. The pinwheels look great on their way up into the school!
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In collaboration with NJPIRC, Jersey City P.S. #24 highlighted Child Abuse Prevention Month with the pinwheel campaign on their new website’s slide show, all thanks to their amazing parent group, PTP (Parent Teacher Partnership).
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Healthy Families in Cape May sent this fantastic shot from their event with a huge collection of planted pinwheels!
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Jugando Aprendemos in West New York, NJ had Officer Aguayo come to the center to speak about child abuse, in addition to the wonderful pinwheel displays set up:
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SonRise Development Corporation held a “Strengthening Families Play Date and Resource Fair” on April 9th. Be sure to check out even more photos from their event!
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There is still a little bit of time left — be sure to enter our Annual Pinwheel Contest for a chance to win a Donut & Coffee breakfast party and a $100 gift certificate toward next year’s CAP Month materials! Send your pictures in today to pinwheels@preventchildabusenj.org — we would love to feature them on the website and blog!
The third week of Child Abuse Prevention Month 2011 brings us more tips, more pictures, and a new podcast episode!
Below is the latest round of tips we have posted over on our Twitter account (follow us: @pcanj):
Monmouth Mobile Home Park in South Brunswick once again set up their pinwheel garden this year in celebration of Child Abuse Prevention Month:
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FAMILYConnections held a Community Workshop in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 13th at the Family Success Center in Orange with workshops, discussions, and guest speakers. In attendance was Orange Mayor Eldridge Hawkins:
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To wrap things up this week, we have a new podcast episode! We here at Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey took some time to discuss Child Abuse Prevention Month, what it means to the community, what events to look forward to, and some suggestions on how any person at all can get involved to make a difference. Visit our “Podcast” page to subscribe and automatically receive new episodes for free, or listen below!
Be sure to enter our Annual Pinwheel Contest for a chance to win a Donut & Coffee breakfast party and a $100 gift certificate toward next year’s CAP Month materials! Send your pictures in today to pinwheels@preventchildabusenj.org — we would love to feature them on the website and blog!
The second week of Child Abuse Prevention Month brings us even more to share!
We have been posting another round of parenting tips on our Twitter account (follow us: @pcanj). Here is a recap of the latest ones:
The Lambda Tau Omega Sorority Incorporated Ariamas Sigma Chapter at The Richard Stockton College of NJ shared a wealth of photos over on our Facebook page this past week. Here are a couple of our favorites:
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Be sure to enter our Annual Pinwheel Contest for a chance to win a Donut & Coffee breakfast party and a $100 gift certificate toward next year’s CAP Month materials! Send your pictures in today to pinwheels@preventchildabusenj.org — we would love to feature them on the website and blog!
Don’t forget this weekend’s book clearance sale at J.R. Trading Company in Monmouth Junction — it’s another great way for you to help support us in our mission to end child abuse in New Jersey. Simply present our special flyer (PDF) when you check out, and a percentage of your purchase will go to Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey.
