April is the annual celebration of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the U.S. The Strategic Plan Platform Committee on Protection of Children and Support for Survivors recommends that members and affiliates urge our parish communities to call attention to:
- The prevalence of child abuse in our society
- The urgent need to protect children
- The need for the continuing prayer and outreach to abused children, especially those abused in our Churches.
Suggested actions include inserts in parish bulletins, prayers during liturgies, and listening to the stories of those abused.
Suggested Inserts for Parish Bulletins in April
(April 5 and 12 are Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday respectively)
Here’s the text for 2 inserts you could ask to place in your parish’s bulletins:
April 19
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a faith community, let us keep vigilant to protect our children as we mourn the abuses that have occurred in our families, neighborhoods and churches. Recommendations for Child Protection include:
Know the Warning Signs of Abuse. Child molesters look like everyone else. They live with their families in our neighborhoods. One of the most important ways to ensure the safety of children is to know the warning signs of adults who present a risk of harm to children, including adults who: (1) always want to be alone with children in areas where no one can monitor the interaction, (2) allow children to do things their parents would not permit, (3) are always more excited to be with children than with adults, and (4) discourage others from participating in activities involving kids. Report suspected abuse of children to law enforcement or child protective services in your local areas. They will investigate and assure children’s safety.
April 26
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As a faith community, let us keep vigilant to protect our children as we mourn the abuses that have occurred in our families, neighborhoods and Churches. Recommendations for Child Protection include:
Take the Child Safety Quiz. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) offers easy-to-use safety resources to help address these challenges. NCMEC’s Web site offers a range of practical information for parents and guardians that will help keep children safe from harm. The site also features an interactive quiz on child safety designed for both adults and children. To take the quiz, visit the NCMEC Web site and click on “Child Safety”: www.missingkids.com.
Thank you for helping us bring attention to these great needs,
The Committee on Protection of Children and Support for Survivors
Bill Casey, Alexandria, VA
Maureen Gilreath, Watertown, MA
Frances Hofmeister, Cincinnati, OH
John Lee, Bridgeport, CT
Tom Meany, Brooklyn, NY
Tom Myles, Long Island, NY
Sr. Maureen Turlish, SND, Wilimington, DE
Kathy Weyer, Cincinnati, OH
