The "Stewards of Children" training was the first step in a longer process to make sure that Christ the King is a safe place for all our children - and for each other.  The next step includes the development of "safe place" policies specific to Christ the King, procedures for volunteers, and guidelines for reporting suspected child abuse.  These resources will be posted here as they become available.

From the Children's Center of Medina County:  The future success of our nation relies on the healthy growth and development of all children. When we work together to ensure their healthy development, the next generation pays it back through a lifetime of productivity and responsible citizenship. With the support of engaged communities and nurturing families, all children can thrive and have the opportunity to grow into contributing, caring, and healthy adults.

While April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, you can make a big difference year-round through small acts that help protect children, strengthen families, promote traits that help protect families — and, ultimately, prevent the abuse and neglect of children.

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The History of Safeguarding America’s Children (from the Children's Center of Medina County):

Child labor laws were enacted in 1906, but they did not protect children from other forms of abuse.  In 1968 after The Battered Child by Dr. C. Henry Kempe and Ray E. Helfer was written, the community began to acknowledge the potential for parents and caregivers to physically harm their children.

Increasing need for public awareness of the safety and welfare of children led to the passage of the first federal child protection legislation, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), in 1974.  In the early 1980s, Congress made a pledge to recognize and create solutions to end child abuse. Members of Congress requested that the President issue a proclamation asking government agencies and the public to observe the week with programs, ceremonies, and activities promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
 
In 1983, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a result, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are now promoted across the country during April each year.

An early symbol of child abuse prevention, the Blue Ribbon, began in Virginia in 1989 when a grandmother tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse.  This was her way to honor him as well as alert her community of the tragedy of child abuse. 

The Blue Ribbon Campaign has since expanded across the country.  Many people wear blue ribbons each April in memory of child abuse victims who have died and in support of efforts to prevent abuse.  More recently, the pinwheel has become a national symbol of child abuse prevention. It reminds us that all children deserve the chance for healthy, happy, and full lives.

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Click here to go to the website of the Medina County (Ohio) Children's Center to see how we're advocating for the children of our county.

CLICK HERE to go to the Medina County Children's Center Facebook Page for Up-to-Date Information and new on upcoming events!

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Prevention and Ways to Help (from the Children's Center of Medina County):
 
Learn the facts

• Abusers are usually not strangers. Perpetrators in most cases are loved and trusted by the victim’s family.

Know the Signs

• Physical signs of sexual abuse are not always present. Know how to identify behavioral and emotional signs of abuse.

Talk to Them

• Only 1 in 10 children who have been sexually abused report it.   Teach correct names of body parts and which are private and not to be touched.  Teach your children that they have ownership of their bodies and can say “no” to any touching, including tickling and hugs, from any person.  Continue talking about body safety and ownership from birth to 18!

Minimize Opportunity

• If you eliminate or reduce one-on-one contact with older children and adults, you will dramatically lower the risk of sexual abuse for your child.  Know who you are leaving your children with and talk about their time away from you to detect anything out of the ordinary.  Believe your children.  They will tell you in actions and/or words that something is wrong.

Have a Plan

• Learn where to go, who to call, and how to react in the best interest of your child even if you have no suspicions that your child is being sexually abused.  Formulating plans in advance can be of significant benefit to your child should abuse occur.

Take Action

• Report suspected abuse or neglect: If you have any reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed; please call Protective Services at 330-661-0800 or 911.

• Become an Advocate: Sign Up to take Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children Training! Speak out for policies that strengthen families. Contact your elected officials and ask them to support child- and family-friendly policies and funding for prevention programs.

• Get Involved: Participate in one of our many events, volunteer and support organizations that fight the tragedy of child abuse. Be active in the community and join groups who are working to help support children and families.

• Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletters and find us on Facebook and Twitter.

• Support Prevention: CCMC depends on the community’s support to prevent, recognize and act responsibly to to be able to do our work.  Prevention programs are made possible through the generosity of individuals like you, so please consider making a meaningful gift today to further educate and keep our children safe. 

 

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National Children’s Alliance (NCA) is the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). A children’s advocacy center is a child-friendly facility in which law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy professionals work together to investigate abuse, help children heal from abuse, and hold offenders accountable.

Resources for families, churches, law enforcement on missing children, child sexual exploitation, child safety and prevention, and more

ONCAC is a membership organization with the mission to promote the establishment and success of Multidisciplinary Teams and Children’s Advocacy Centers by providing support, education, and networking opportunities to enhance Ohio’s response to child abuse.

Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972 in Chicago, works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide.