JB MDL recognizes Month of the Military Child, Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Published April 25, 2013 By Cynthia B. Freier Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Family Advocacy Plan JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- More than six million children are abused or neglected in America every year, most of whom are younger than 4 years old. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported 676,569 victims of child abuse and neglect in 2011. Regardless of the number of times he or she was found to be a victim during the reporting year, a child is only counted once in the reported total number. In the same reporting period, 1,545 children in the U.S. were reported to have died from abuse and neglect, and many experts believe the actual number may be significantly higher, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Child Abuse Prevention Month is a congressionally sanctioned Department of Defense initiative. The Department of Health and Human Services released their 2013 resource guide that embodies partnership work among national organizations, federal agencies, local providers and communities. The resource guide focuses on six protective factors that build family strengths and promote optimal child and youth development: parental resiliency; nurturing and attachment; social connections; concrete support in times of need; knowledge of parenting and early child development; and emotional competence of children. A strong and well informed family unit is the surest defense against child abuse. The resource guide also states that parents and caregivers who have support from relatives, friends, neighbors, and their communities are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for their children. Trusted friends and active community members can help ensure families get the support they need by offering their time and resources, taking an active role in the lives of children and fostering a safe environment for young people to learn and grow. By coming together in service to communities, people do more to meet our obligation to do right by the next generation. The presidential proclamation in 2013 stated every child deserves the opportunity to grow up with the promise and protection of a loving family. Americans are committed to this vision and to providing care, stability and a brighter future for our sons and daughters. The president calls upon all Americans to observe April 2013 with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional and developmental needs. Child abuse and neglect adversely affects military mission readiness and the well-being of active-duty members and their families. It is therefore, the intent, that we prevent child abuse and neglect by increasing awareness and by providing education, support services and resiliency strategies to active duty members and their families. The Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Family Advocacy Program offers educational classes and prevention activities throughout the year. Military members and their families are invited to participate and obtain informative resource materials available at the 87th Medical Group, the Base Exchange, child development centers, youth centers and at the Joint Base Librar-e and Resource Commons. For this month, FAP is co-sponsoring two joint base walks to highlight Month of the Military Child, Child Abuse Prevention Month, Alcohol Abuse Awareness and Sexual Assault Awareness. If you observe any inappropriate behavior toward a child by an adult, you should contact the JFAP at 754-9680, or the Lakehurst office at (732) 323-5330. You can also call the New Jersey State Central Hotline 24/7 at (877) NJ-Abuse or (877) 652-2873. Everyone is a mandatory reporter. Making a suspected maltreatment report allows professionals to assess the situation, make the determination and provide necessary support services.