There are many opportunities to be involved as an individual in child abuse prevention. To volunteer, email, pcaky@pcaky.org.
- Write an Op-Ed about preventing child abuse and neglect for the local newspaper.
- Advocate by writing or calling elected officials in effort to seek greater support for child abuse and neglect prevention, and to let them know children are a priority.
- As a preschool teacher, establish informational meetings for parents of young children to provide them with information on parenting.
- Share your experiences with positively handling stress with families facing similar challenges.
- Learn more about Kentucky Strengthening Families and protective factors, and share the information with friends, family and social groups.
- Let PCAK know of your interest in the PCAK Legislative Network.
- Distribute parenting information in your community.
- Babysit free of charge so parents can take a break.
- Ask your place of worship or child’s athletic organization what steps they are taking to ensure children are safe from child predators.
- Organize the planting of a pinwheel garden in your community.
- Talk to members of your worship community about involvement in child abuse prevention.
- Register and participate in the annual Lexi Memorial 5K Run/Walk.
- Participate in the annual Wear Blue Day in April – post a photo on social media using #CommitToPrevent and send to pcaky@pcaky.org.
- Talk to parents about typical child development.
- Arrange a “parent support group” so mom/dad can share the joys and challenges of parenting while children have the opportunity to play together.
- As a grandparent, take care of a grandchild each week to relieve some pressure on my son/daughter.
- Run an errand, bake cookies or prepare a meal for a new parent in the neighborhood.
- Volunteer time to a child or youth-serving organization.
- Learn the names of all the children, and their parents, living on my street. Be kind, generous and helpful to them.
- Offer a neighbor a ride to an activity.
- Model nurturing care to parents of young children.
- Be a support to a parent who is in the midst of stressful situations. Help out where you can.
- Be an approachable, patient and supportive listener. Listen without being critical toward children or parents.
- Be a positive role model. Provide positive feedback to help build the self-esteem of children and parents you interact with regularly.
- Look for opportunities to encourage and reinforce positive behavior.
- Never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control.
- Find out if you are choosing a safe caregiver for your child: https://www.pcaky.org/choosing-a-safe-caregiver
