April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Published April 22, 2008 By Family Advocacy office 60th Medical Group TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- During 2007, the financial costs of child abuse and neglect in America tallied almost $104 billion. The direct effects of child abuse and neglect involve societal agencies including, foster care, medical and mental health treatment, law enforcement and educational institutions. Although financial cost is a variable of high importance, the long term outcomes for children subjected to child abuse and neglect are not accompanied by a monetary figure. Children who experience abuse and/or neglect have an increased likelihood of poor physical and mental health, social and cognitive difficulties, participation in high-risk behaviors and other behavior issues. Who are the perpetrators of this hidden epidemic? Most child abuse occurs within the family, by parents, relatives or caregivers. In 2006, approximately 80 percent of perpetrators were parents and 6.7 percent were other relatives accounting for child maltreatment. Prevention of child abuse and neglect begins with the family. Educating and instilling parents, caregivers and families with essential tools is necessary in preventing child abuse and neglect. Protective factors are positive attributes that strengthen families and draw on natural support networks within the family and community. Protective factors include: -- Nurturing and attachment -- Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development -- Parental resilience -- Social connections -- Concrete support for parents The above protective factors are critical for parents and caregivers regardless of a child's age, sex, ethnicity, racial heritage, economic status, special needs or whether he or she is raised by a single, married or divorced parent or other caregiver. These various protective factors are not mutually exclusive, however; they reinforce eachother in establishing healthy development for families. For example, parents are more likely to be resilient when they have strong social connections and concrete support. For further information, contact Family Advocacy at 423-5168.