How You Can Prevent Child
Abuse & Neglect in Colorado
In 2024, more than 7,000 children experienced child maltreatment in Colorado.
Child abuse and neglect have lifelong consequences like anxiety, depression,
suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and more. Everyone, from parents and relatives
to teachers and neighbors, has the power to make a difference and help prevent
child abuse and neglect in Colorado.
The “5 KeyProtective Factors”for Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect in Colorado
Protective factors are family characteristics that help keep families strong and
children safe, no matter what challenges they may encounter. All families go through
times when they need more support, and times when they need less. Learning about the
“5 Protective Factors” will help families identify their strengths and build up the
protective factors in their own lives so that support is there when they need it most.
1.Parental Resilience
Resilience is the ability to recover from difficult life experiences. Not only that, but resilience also includes one’s ability to be strengthened by and even transformed by those experiences. Resilience is not about how many bad things you experience, but rather how you respond to them.
How to become a resilient parent or caregiver:
Model self-care by prioritizing sleep for yourself and your children
Ask for help when you need it
Laugh and play with your kids
Keep a journal to write down all of your thoughts
Enjoy music, exercise or other activities that support your mental and physical health
2.Social Connections
Strong support from friends, family and the community helps parents and caregivers feel secure, confident and empowered. Social support is one of the biggest influencing factors for preventing child abuse and neglect in Colorado. As a parent or caregiver, remember to ask for help, accept help and look for opportunities to help others when they need it. Focus on healthy and positive relationships where you feel respected and appreciated, and nurture those friendships.
How you can build social connections:
Make some time to engage in community activities, hobbies or volunteering
Call or text family members or friends to check on them, catch up, or schedule a playdate or luncheon
Set aside some screen-free adult time to connect with others without distractions
Consider working with a therapist if you find it challenging to connect with people or feel overwhelmed by social anxiety
3.Concrete Support in Times of Need
Families are more likely to thrive when they meet their basic needs like food, shelter, clothing and health care. When families encounter crises that they can’t overcome with their strengths and skills, it is fundamental that they have support from the community and organizations that have expertise in these challenges.
How to find concrete support in times of need:
Ask your county department of human services for support
Visit 211colorado.org to look for services or programs in your area
Ask family members, friends and the community if they know of a service that can help you during a challenging time
4.Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development
There is no perfect parent, but knowing what to expect can make the job easier. Understanding child development and parenting strategies prepares parents for challenges. Embrace new skills and tips to help your child progress and thrive, and respond in positive ways when your child displays negative behaviors.
How to increase your knowledge of parenting and child development:
Learn about activities that support healthy child development by reviewing the PLAYbook created by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Turn to family members and friends who have children for tips and parenting practices
Find parent groups where you can receive and share information
5.Social and Emotional Competence of Children
Social and emotional competence refers to children’s ability to form bonds and interact with others in a healthy and positive way. It also refers to children’s ability to self-regulate their emotions and their behaviors, communicate feelings and solve problems effectively.
How to help your child or youth be socially and emotionally competent:
Lead by example: create healthy and positive relationships, place and respect boundaries, listen and be polite
Create consistent routines that help children and youth understand what to expect and what is expected of them
Offer warmth and acceptance when discussing emotions with your child or youth
How You Can Help Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Colorado
Every Day
Small acts of kindness can make a BIG difference in preventing child abuse
and neglect. Here are a few easy ways to proactively support community
members and strengthen families in your area:
Offer to run errands, shovel snow, do yard work, or babysit for parents in your neighborhood to give them a break.
If you own or manage a business, consider starting an employee assistance program (EAP) or offering flexible schedules for parents.
Organize fundraisers, diaper drives, or toy collections to support local nonprofits that help families.
Explore Community Resources to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect
From housing and financial assistance to mental health services and parenting
support, there are many resources and programs to help families in need. Explore
what’s available in your community to support families and prevent child abuse
and neglect in Colorado.
Every community has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect in
Colorado. The Colorado Partnership for Thriving Families has developed several
toolkits to raise awareness and educate Coloradans on how to prevent child
maltreatment.
Check out these prevention toolkits and share them with your community today.
