Prevent Child Abuse New York's Blog

Language and Literacy Resources in Spanish and English

2008-10-13T05:31:00-04:00

Developed by Dr. Notari-Syverson, the “On the Go” materials include 14 activities that are designed to promote language and literacy from birth through preschool.

The activities are designed for use outside the home: in the car, walking, during bus rides, etc. The activities, which are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically, encourage early language, literacy development and positive parent-child interactions. Each activity comes with hints as to how they can be modified to meet the specific developmental needs of the child and fits on a half-sheet of paper so it can easily taken "on the go."

More free parent-child activities are available here.

There's Still Time!

2008-10-10T06:11:00-04:00

Thanks to the many team leaders and walkers who have been busily recruiting teammates and raising money. You are all making a tremendous difference! We’re on track for the biggest and best walk yet!

The Walk for Children is 8 days away, but there’s still plenty of time to spread the word and raise money!

Here’s how you can raise $300 in just 8 days:
Day 1: Start by sponsoring yourself for $25
Day 2: Ask 3 family members to contribute $20 each
Day 3: Ask 3 friends to contribute $15 each
Day 4: Ask 5 co-workers to contribute $10 each
Day 5: Ask 4 people from your club or place of worship to contribute $10 each
Day 6: Ask 3 neighbors to contribute $10 each
Day 7: Ask your boss to make a company contribution of $25, or ask about a matching gifts program
Day 8: Ask one business you frequent (doctor, mechanic, dry cleaner, restaurant, etc.) to contribute $25

Pinwheels for Prevention

2008-10-09T05:32:00-04:00

Building upon the great excitement and success of this year’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, when over 11,000 pinwheels were displayed in more than 25 counties around the state, we are happy to announce that pinwheels will be available again in 2009!

We hope you will consider incorporating Pinwheels for Prevention into your Child Abuse Prevention Month activities or other events that honor children.

For information about implementing a Pinwheels for Prevention campaign or to place an order, contact Jennifer Dailey at 518-445-1273.

Less Than Two Weeks Until We Walk!

2008-10-07T06:19:00-04:00

Small acts can add up to make a big difference. On October 18, 2008, individuals from around the Capital Region will gather at Washington Park in Albany to show their support for child abuse prevention by walking for children. Walking for children may be a small act, but it will make a big difference.

The sense of camaraderie we felt at last year’s walk inspired us to create a bigger and better event this year. Our efforts have paid off. Team leaders are rallying their team members, spreading the word, and raising money for a cause they feel passionately about.

Team leader Kim Panting describes how she and her teammates from the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) became involved in the walk. “Two of my colleagues and I were talking one day about getting involved in the community by doing some volunteer work. We decided that it would be a good idea to take a look at finding a few causes that we were interested in supporting and try to rally some other SEMO employees to get involved to make a difference. We came across the Walk for Children on volunteermatch.org and knew it would be a perfect event for SEMO. SEMO of course embraced the idea and everyone started getting interested in lending a hand."

Small acts—like a few co-workers having a conversation about community involvement—can add up to make a big difference. Team SEMO includes eleven walkers and seven volunteers who have already raised over $1,500!

Team Target is also working hard to make a difference. The major event sponsor, Target’s commitment to preventing child abuse and other important causes deserves special commendation. Since 1946, Target has given five percent of its income to the communities it serves. Today, that equals more than $3 million every week to support education, the arts, social services and team member engagement. “It is important that every child is treated with respect!” said Target team leader Jennifer Woodin. “Children are our future.”

Of course, the funds raised in the Walk for Children make a difference to PCANY and therefore to New York’s children. It also makes a difference to our staff. It gives us the opportunity to talk with our supporters and provide them with a family-focused event. Seeing so many people gathered in support of our mission leaves us feeling renewed in our promise to protect New York’s children.

And it makes a difference to our walkers. They enjoy the satisfaction of doing good for their community while also enjoying a special occasion with their family, friends, or co-workers. Many Team SEMO and Team Target members will be walking with their families. “In the future, I plan to share our experience in this worthy cause with my daughter Skyler,” said Panting. “I think it’s a great opportunity to teach children that we all have the responsibility of giving back to the community.”

The Walk for Children will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at Washington Park in Albany. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the walk kicks off at 10 a.m. The event includes free food and refreshments, prizes, kids’ arts and crafts, Halloween activities, a bounce house, and safety demonstrations. Visit preventchildabuseny.org to learn more.

Nine Million Children Need a "Bailout"

2008-10-07T06:05:00-04:00

This from the Children's Defense Fund:

At a time when the federal government is considering spending billions bailing out big business, but refuses to help struggling families, it's clear that we need to reassess our priorities as a nation. Nearly nine million children in America do not have health coverage and millions more are underinsured. The election in November provides an extraordinary opportunity to bring attention to this critical issue. We must seize this occasion to ensure that every candidate running for a seat in the U.S. Congress understands that providing coverage for all children is something the American people want, that our children and nation can't wait, and that each candidate's commitment to health coverage for all children is a condition of your vote.

Learn more about Children's Defense Fund's Election 2008 Health Coverage for All Children Campaign

Happy Child Health Day!

2008-10-06T05:47:00-04:00

Today is Child Health Day, a day the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration challenges parents, caregivers, teachers, school nurses and all adults who care about kids to grapple with a serious health issue: childhood overweight and obesity.

Recent studies suggest that one in six U.S. children between two and 19 is overweight. Childhood obesity is an even more serious—and growing—health concern for children and adolescents. In less than 30 years, obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2-5 and more than tripled among youth ages 6-11 and adolescents ages 12-19.

Health consequences can be serious. Overweight kids are at risk for asthma, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Fortunately, many times overweight can be reversed or prevented by helping children and adolescents:

Stay active.
Develop healthy eating habits.
Make healthy choices.

One of the best ways to help? Be a role model. When children see their parents, caregivers and other adults enjoying healthy foods and being physically active, they are more likely to do the same.

For more information, visit the Child Health Day web site.

Child Welfare Outcomes 2002-2005 Now Available Online

2008-10-02T05:32:00-04:00

Child Welfare Outcomes 2002-2005: Report to Congress is the seventh in a series of reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (the Department) designed to inform Congress, states, and the public and to promote improvement in the delivery of child welfare services.

The Child Welfare Outcomes Reports provide information about each state's performance on seven national outcomes related to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children involved in the child welfare system. These outcomes reflect widely accepted performance objectives for child welfare practice.

In addition to the 12 original measures used in previous reports, Child Welfare Outcomes 2002-2005 presents data on four new composite measures (including 15 individual measures) developed for the second round of the Department's Child and Family Services Reviews that began in March 2007. These composites were developed in consultation with state child welfare administrators, legislators, child advocacy organizations, and other child welfare experts.

Child Welfare Outcomes Reports are required under the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997, which was designed to reform child welfare practice, enhance accountability, and focus attention on the results of child welfare services.

Seeking Nominations for Service to Children Awards

2008-10-01T05:57:00-04:00

Ten $1,000 awards will be given to professionals and volunteers working to improve the well-being, growth, and development of youth through community-based services and programs.

The National Child Labor Committee, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to defending the rights of children in the workplace and fighting for universal education, invites nominations of individuals for the 2009 Lewis Hine Awards for Service to Children and Youth.

These nationally recognized awards, now in their 24th year, are presented annually by NCLC to ten recipients—five professionals and five volunteers—for their unheralded and exceptional service to young people.

Click here for more information.

National Child Health Day is Monday, October 6!

2008-09-30T05:42:00-04:00

An estimated one in six U.S. children between two and 19 is overweight, a risk factor for serious health consequences including asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

You can help solve this serious—and growing—health problem.

Take part in the 80th annual Child Health Day, October 6, 2008, and help children eat healthy and be active for a healthy future!

Visit the Child Health Day Web site today and find out how you can impact a child’s health and wellness!

Babyproofing 101

2008-09-29T14:17:54-04:00

As Baby Safety Month comes to close, I'd like to focus on a parenting rite of passage: babyproofing.

Many parents of young children are aware of potential hazards in their home and work hard to make a safe place for their child to learn and grow. Still, some safety precautions are often overlooked.

Obvious safety measures, such as a gate at the top of the stairs, safety latches on low cabinets and outlet covers for tiny fingers, are promptly put into place. However, less obvious hazards (for example, leaving a hot cup of coffee within reach of baby or a long cord dangling from your window blinds) can be missed.

Check out www.parents.com for Babyproofing 101 tips, which includes 10 Surprising Safety Hazards, and a list of the 15 Biggest Safety Mistakes.

Remember, no amount of babyproofing or safety gadgets can replace the supervision that you can provide for your children.