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April 2002Vol. 3, No. 3New Packet from Prevent Child Abuse America Aids Prevention Efforts

Spread the message about child abuse prevention during April, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and all year with the newest packet from Prevent Child Abuse America. Target Stores funded its eye-catching 2002 packet, which features children's drawings and quotations.

Designed in booklet form this year, the packet contains pages perforated for easy reproduction and a pocket for adding your own materials. The downloadable version contains the same content. A few pages can be used as posters or coloring sheets for kids. Written for the lay reader, the fact sheets contain:

  • Facts about child abuse
  • Information on how you can help prevent child abuse
  • Information on how to react to abuse in public places
  • Information on the costs of child abuse and neglect in the United States
  • Resource directory
  • Summary of how to make a difference in preventing child abuse

The packet emphasizes how to aid in the prevention effort, with several pages devoted to knowing the warning signs of abuse and how to report it. Besides behavioral and physical changes in children, the signs of an abusive adult are outlined. For example, a parent or caretaker who is indifferent or insulting to the child, and who is isolated from other parents, may be cause for concern. Other ways to help include being a nurturing parent, reaching out to your neighbors, and taking part in prevention and community-strengthening projects. Parents are also urged to teach their children self-protection skills.

In addition to the 2002 packet, Prevention Month materials from the last 2 years are also available. Call 1-800-CHILDREN to order a packet or download the materials at: http://www.preventchildabuse.org/learn_more/cap_index.html