JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Month of the Military Child. It is a time when we honor our military families and celebrate the important role that our community plays in protecting and strengthening children. This month and throughout the year, the 87 MDG encourages all individuals to make JBMDL an even better place for children and families to live, work, and play.
Research shows that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective way to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect and thrive against the stressors of military life.
They include:
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Nurturing and connection (For example; communication, eye contact, play, affection, etc.)
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Knowledge of parenting strategies (For example; age-appropriate discipline, co-parenting, single-parenting, etc.)
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Knowledge of normal child and youth development (For example; age appropriate sleep requirements, social behavior, or cognitive ability.)
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Parental resilience (For example; parent’s coping skills and ability to withstand stress.)
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Social connections (For example; parents/children who have friends and feel a sense of belonging to the community.)
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Concrete support for parents (For example; access to medical care, financial support or childcare.)
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Social and emotional competence of children (For example; coping skills, adaptability, etc.)
(US Department of Health and Human Services, 2017)
By ensuring parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and make more meaningful connections with children and families in our community.
To meet this goal, the JBMDL Family Advocacy Program is pleased to offer the following educational programs, in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month:
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Five Love Languages of Children: For parents who have children enrolled at the CDCs. Classes will be held at Dix CDC on April 5th from 1130-1300 and April 7th LKH CDC from 1130 -1300.
(One additional class will be taught at McGuire Library - open to all, April 25th 10 am)
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Parenting Love and Logic: Teaches parenting with empathy to develop loving connection, trust and understanding while also allowing children to make decisions and learn from natural consequences. April 17-20 1100-1300 in Family Advocacy office (87 MDG, 2nd Floor)
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Guest speaker Read Harris, author of The Child Cried Alone. Speaker is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and will share his personal insights regarding abuse and the impact on adult behavior. Light snack will be provided, a free book give-a-way, and book signing by speaker. April 26th from 1130-1400 at Tommy B’s.
Parents and friends who participate will develop new skills and build some of the protective factors outlined above. These classes, and more, are available throughout the year and are open to all ID card holders. Additional educational and support resources are also available. Call the Family Advocacy office for more information at 609-754-9680.
- Potential FB/Twitter post:
#PreventionMonth
Help strengthen families and prevent abuse and neglect now!
SHARE tip sheets for families connect, keep children safe, manage finances and other stressors, and more; easy to read (in English and Spanish) https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/resources/tip-sheets/