844-CO-4-KIDS

Child Abuse Prevention

Preventing child abuse is key to ensuring children grow up in a safe and secure environment where they can develop into healthy and happy adults. It is estimated that one in seven children in the United States experiences child abuse and/or neglect each year. This leads to an array of adverse outcomes, including chronic pain and psychological concerns such as anxiety, anger, depression, and suicidal thoughts or ideation. Poor or delayed social and behavioral development are other results of child abuse and neglect.

An African American father holds up his infant and brings their heads together with closed eyes.

The 5 Protective Factors

Research has shown that we can strengthen families by focusing on five protective factors, which can reduce the likelihood of child abuse and build brighter childhoods.

Parents who can cope with the everyday stresses of life, as well as an occasional crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well.

Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves.

Meeting basic economic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and health care is essential for families to thrive. Families who can identify, find, and receive concrete support are better able to provide for their children.

Accurate information about child development and appropriate expectations for children's behavior at every age help parents see their children and youth in a positive light and palso promote their healthy development.

A child or youth's ability to interact positively with others, self-regulate, and effectively communicate their feelings has a positive impact on their relationships with their family, other adults, and peers.

One of the most effective ways to prevent child abuse is to strengthen families.

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If Not You, Then Who?

CO4Kids is the Colorado Department of Human Services' statewide initiative to provide awareness about Colorado's child welfare system. It focuses on educating the public about the signs of child abuse and neglect, while raising awareness about the Hotline (844-264-5437) to report concerns related to a child or youth. CO4Kids also strives to strengthen families as a means of preventing abuse and neglect from happening in the first place, helping all Colorado kids have a safe environment. Finally, the campaign is committed to recruiting and retaining foster and adoptive parents, so that when an out of home placement is unavoidable, a child has a safe place to thrive.

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