Did you know that a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds? Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult and 30% more likely to commit violent crime?
STARS and Kids On The Block recognizes and supports National Child Abuse Prevention month in April. Kids On The Block offers a Child Abuse Prevention presentation for third graders. This personal safety program educates students to identify child abuse and neglect, empowering them to say “NO!” and encourages them to talk to a trusted adult. Although the topic is sensitive in nature, the program is presented in a kid-friendly and non-threatening way through our Kids On The Block program using puppetry and other teaching tools.
Over the past three year after seeing this Kids On The Block presentation, more than 60 children have had the courage, the strength and the information they needed to disclose being victims of abuse. In each circumstance, a report was made to the Department of Children Services beginning the process of appropriate intervention.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Prevention indicates prevention is the best hope for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families. Strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community.
For more information, on the Kids On The Block Child Abuse Prevention Presentation, contact us at 615-279-0058.
