This April, Fairfax County is recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month with the theme “Building Stronger Families: Solid Foundations for Family Well-being.” Just like a house, families need a strong foundation to thrive. Love forms the walls and roof, but other factors — such as a strong support system, a social network, community resources, parenting knowledge, self-care and empathy — help keep everything stable.
Child abuse and neglect create a lasting footprint. The good news is that research shows that preventing adverse childhood experiences, like child abuse, may result in positive long-term health impacts and reduced costs to society.
Discover how you can help promote safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments so that all children and families can thrive.
Ways to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect
1. It can be difficult to know if a child is being harmed. Sometimes we may see it happening with our own eyes, but other times we may only see signs of what could be happening. Be aware of the signs of abuse and neglect, such as:
- Malnourishment, lack of personal hygiene.
- Unexplained bruises, welts or other marks.
- Significant changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or fearful.
- Children who appear too young to be left alone.
- Home safety hazards or unsanitary conditions.
2. Familiarize yourself with the child supervision guidelines. There are no laws in Virginia that say when or for how long a child can be left alone. Parents are ultimately responsible for making decisions about their children’s safety. Every child is different and must be assessed based on their maturity, skills and comfort level to be home alone. However, all Northern Virginia jurisdictions agree that children 8 years old and younger should always be in the care of a responsible person. Guidelines state that children this age should never be left unsupervised in homes, cars, playgrounds or yards.
3. Parenting can be tough! It’s okay to ask for help. Refer families to the Parent Support Line available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 703-324-7720. Trained parenting specialists are available for guidance on a wide range of topics including child development (0-18 years), reducing parenting stress, strengthening family bonds and accessing community resources. Anyone who works with children is also welcome to call with questions or concerns. Language support is available.
4. If you have concerns about a child’s safety, call the Child Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline at 703-324-7400. You may give your name (confidentially) or remain anonymous.
5. Our Department of Family Services offers a variety of parenting classes, workshops and Parent Cafés (support groups) to teach positive and effective ways parents can interact with their children. They help families develop healthy parenting strategies for every age and stage of development from 0-18 years. DFS offers virtual and in-person parenting classes including Dads Parenting Groups in locations across Fairfax County. Monthly Parent Cafés and workshops offer drop-in discussions on topics such as successful co-parenting, discipline strategies, managing ADHD and online safety. Joining this community of support offers struggling parents a lifeline. Learn more or sign up for the newsletter for tips and resources.
6. Spread the word about free Virtual Body Safety classes open to any Pre-K through sixth grade students living in Fairfax County. Using the Childhelp® Speak Up Be Safe curriculum, trained facilitators help children build safety skills, preparing them to identify and avoid risks such as child abuse, cyberbullying and internet predators. Learn more about this program or register a child.
7. Children benefit from spending time with adults who listen to them and care about them. Strong mentorship experiences can have an incredibly positive effect on children’s self-esteem and success in life. You can help by mentoring or volunteering with children, being a friendly and caring adult for a child or giving help and support to parents who are having a hard time.
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