April 11, 2019 - Tips on how you can help prevent child abuse

dcs press release

Tips on how you can help prevent child abuse

Darren DaRonco, Public Information Officer

602.255.2564

 

Phoenix (April 11, 2019) - 

 

All of us can play a role in preventing child abuse.

 

With Governor Doug Ducey proclaiming April Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Department of Child Safety would like to offer some tips on how you can help prevent child abuse.

 

  1. Lend a hand to a relative or friend: Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. But at times, it can be extremely stressful. If you see a friend or relative struggling with the stress, offer to watch their children so they can take a break.
  2.  Recognize the signs of abuse: Unexplained injuries are only one sign ofChild Abuse Prevention Month Tips abuse. Withdrawal from family and friends, inappropriate sexual behavior, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns and bursts of anger may indicate a child is being neglected or abused.
  3.  Be thoughtful before disciplining a child: Discipline is a way to teach your child, not punish them. Never discipline your child when you are angry. Try using privileges to promote good behavior and time outs when your child is acting up.
  4.  Promote programs in the community: Sponsor an after-school activity for kids, teach parent education classes, or volunteer to be a mentor are some of the ways you can help keep kids safe in your community.
  5.  Take time for yourself: Don’t let problems pile up until you feel overwhelmed. Make sure you take some time to address your needs. If you need help, ask for help.
  6.  Support prevention programs: The best way to prevent child abuse is to provide families help and resources before a report is made to DCS. For more information on prevention programs, visit DCS’s Office of Prevention webpage.
  7.  If you see something, say something: If you have reason to believe a child is being abused or witness child abuse or neglect, call 1-888-SOS-CHILD to report the abuse to DCS.

 

For more information on DCS and child abuse prevention, visit dcs.az.gov.

 

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ABOUT DIRECTOR GREGORY MCKAY

Gregory A. McKay is a twenty-year veteran of Law Enforcement with an emphasis on criminal investigations of violent crime. He was awarded Arizona's Investigator of the Year for solving many high-profile child murder cases. As a former Arizona foster parent, he understands the lasting emotional and physical effects of abuse to a child. In 2013, he was awarded Childhelp USA’s Heart of an Angel Award, recognizing his distinguished career in child advocacy, investigative expertise, and removal of child predators. McKay was appointed Director of DCS by Governor Douglas A. Ducey on February 10, 2015.

Director McKay has led several breakthrough initiatives for the department. Under his leadership, DCS has successfully completed the backlog of uninvestigated cases that had plagued the department for years. The department also safely reduced the number of children in state foster care by 19% between March 2016 and January 2018, thus reversing a ten-year growth trend of 92%. By eliminating hotline hold times, reducing staff caseloads, decreasing congregate care and increasing family and community engagement in the service of the state’s most vulnerable children, the state is poised to meet Director McKay’s goal of making Arizona the safest place in the country for children to grow and thrive. In January 2018, Director McKay received the Excellence for Children Award for Exceptional Leadership from Casey Family Programs for his efforts in spearheading Arizona’s dramatic child welfare turnaround.

test 2 logoABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY (DCS)

The Department of Child Safety is dedicated to the vision that “Children thrive in family environments free from abuse and neglect.” As highly motivated and caring public servants, the DCS team is committed to fulfilling this mission with excellence, providing safety and well-being for the most vulnerable population in Arizona - our children. If you suspect child abuse, call 888-SOS-CHILD.