Fortunately, the trauma of child abuse and neglect is preventable. The root of child abuse and neglect is often related to lack of role models, limited parenting knowledge, family stressors, and the absence of reliable support systems. In FY23, as a result of effective strategies and services within the Children, Youth, and Families Division, there have been successful efforts to address these factors and help prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs:
- 76% of parents who completed a class with the Parenting Education Programs demonstrated improved parenting and child-rearing attitudes.
- 99% of families served by Protection & Preservation Services were able to safely maintain their children in the home.
- Volunteer and Partner Services coordinated 119 volunteers who dedicated 5,792 hours of their time, providing an economic impact of over $188,000, while community members donated $554,884 to DFS programs
- 8,714 children were impacted in the community through mentoring and Body Safety classes.
(return to Child Abuse Prevention Month)