Child Abuse Prevention
Tuolumne County exhibits a higher rate of substantiated child abuse cases than the state. In many homes with either domestic violence or child abuse cases, it is likely that both types of abuse are occurring. Children who are abused and neglected often develop emotional, behavioral, and addiction problems, and have difficulty in social setting and in doing well in school.
The YES Partnership collaborates with local agencies and programs working to prevent child abuse and promote healthy families and parenting. The collaborative works to provide community members with knowledge and resources. Efforts include: awareness campaigns, education about the signs of child abuse, and assistance in accessing available resources. The YES Partnership supports activities that strive to strengthen our community’s role in helping children to grow up in a safe environment.
Child Abuse Prevention Resources
Local:
http://ca-tuolumnecounty.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=282
https://www.atcaa.org/early-childhood-svs
More Resources:
https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/
http://www.preventchildabuse.org/
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm
http://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/understanding-child-abuse.aspx
Learn More:
http://gamutonline.net/district/tuolumnecoe/DisplayPolicy/770780/5
https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.cfm
Child Abuse
Prevention Factsheets
The following factsheets (pdfs) are available for downloading:
What is Child Abuse and Neglect (pdf)- The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not mean that child maltreatment is occurring in a family, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination. This factsheet is intended to help you better understand the legal definition of child abuse and neglect, learn about the different types of abuse and neglect, and recognize the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Resources about the impact of trauma on well-being also are included in this factsheet. This document addresses: How is child abuse and neglect defined in Federal law? What are the major types of child abuse and neglect? Recognizing signs of abuse and neglect. Resources. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children’s Bureau)
Understanding Child Maltreatment (pdf) – Child maltreatment includes all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher). There are four common types of abuse: physical abuse is the use of intentional physical force, such as hitting, kicking, shaking, burning or other show of force against a child, sexual abuse involves engaging a child in sexual acts. It includes fondling, rape, and exposing a child to other sexual activities, emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, and threatening, and neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, education, and access to medical care. (Centers for Disease Control)
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect (pdf) – This factsheet provides information on how communities and individual citizens can strengthen families, protect children, and prevent child abuse and neglect. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children’s Bureau)
Long Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect (pdf) – While physical injuries may or may not be immediately visible, abuse and neglect can have consequences for children, families, and society that last lifetimes, if not generations. This factsheet covers: factors affecting the consequences of child abuse and neglect, physical health consequences, psychological consequences, behavioral consequences, societal consequences, resources, and references. (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Administration on Children, Youth and Families Children’s Bureau)
Child Sexual Abuse Fact Sheet (pdf) – Child sexual abuse is any interaction between a child and an adult (or another child) in which the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer. Sexual abuse can include both touching and non-touching behaviors. Touching behaviors may involve touching of the vagina, penis, breasts or buttocks, oral-genital contact, or sexual intercourse. Non-touching behaviors can include voyeurism (trying to look at a child’s naked body), exhibitionism, or exposing the child to pornography. Abusers often do not use physical force, but may use play, deception, threats, or other forms of coercion to engage children and maintain their silence. Abusers frequently employ persuasive and manipulative tactics to keep the child engaged. These tactics—referred to as “grooming”—may include buying gifts or arranging special activities, which can further confuse the victim. ( Child Sexual Abuse Committee of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network)