Educate island parents, children

Posted on | Sunday, April 3, 2011 | No Comments

By : Lydia D. Tenorio
Lydia D. Tenorio is administrator of the Department of Public Health and Social Services Bureau of Social Services

Unfortunately, our island community is not exclusive or an exception to the exposure and impact of child abuse and neglect against our own children. In fiscal 2010, Child Protective Services received 1,403 referrals involving 2,032 children. The top three reported cases of maltreatment involved physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.
Support services to the family are a major contributor to the prevention of child abuse and can be designed to strengthen and stabilize families, increase parental abilities and provide a safe and stable family environment and enhance child development.

Child abuse and neglect prevention covers a spectrum of services. For risk factors, programs can be developed toward substance abuse, support groups for families affected by domestic violence, respite care for families with children who have disabilities, among other areas. For protective factors, we can educate children with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from becoming victims, promote positive relationships between children and parents, and teach parents the skills needed to raise healthy children and provide a safe home, among other areas.


Public awareness activities through various outreach activities must be continuous so that the public is aware of available resources. Our local sectors in the community such as medical providers, mayors, social services agencies, schools, public officials, faith-based communities, parent groups, law enforcement, work sites, community-based organizations, etc., can all play a role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

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