Groups take on child abuse

COEUR d'ALENE — The Strengthening Families Coalition for Region 1 is joining a growing national movement of child welfare-focused organizations to prevent child abuse.

“Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported," said Katie Simmons, ICARE/CACFP director, St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho. “And we know what works. Preventing childhood adversity starts by eliminating the stressors that can overload parents.”

A key element of the initiative is to shift the narrative to reflect a more upstream, preventative approach to childhood adversity, a press release said.

"Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect, raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs," the release said.

Child abuse is a solvable and preventable public issue that affects all communities, said Roger Sherman, director of the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund. 

“We all have a shared responsibility to create safe, stable environments and relationships for children to thrive," he said in the release. "Through policies, programs and services centered around family well-being, we can help children reach their full potential.”

Idaho is celebrating Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. 

The Strengthening Families Coalition and bankcda in collaboration with the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and Prevent Child Abuse America, is hosting a community event at the Human Rights Education Institute from 4:30 to 6 p.m. April 4.

“We are happy to support the efforts of organizations that work together to help families and children in need,” said Wes Veach, bankcda president. “Everyone benefits when we can exchange resources and band together to care for the children in our community.”

Coeur d’Alene Mayor Jim Hammond will be presenting a proclamation at the event.

“It’s never been truer that communities today need to band together in collective ways to help our families and children thrive. Too often, our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone,” said Louisa Rogers, program director for North Idaho College Center For New Directions. “In reality, we all benefit when groups work together to care for children.”

To help show support, businesses are invited to paint their window fronts with pinwheel designs, the symbol for child abuse prevention and display pinwheel gardens. 

Info: KJ Brant at KJ.Brant@CTF.Idaho.Gov or 208-818-3001.