"A child's health and well-being starts with you. Provide your child with a healthy and safe home. Remember, this is your family we're talking about."
– Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU

Did You Know...

·	Systems of help exist that support communities and healthy family development.
·	Providing parents and communities with resources such as home visitation programs and parenting groups can prevent child abuse and neglect.
·	In every state, the following people are required by law to report suspected abuse: Doctors; nurses; dentists; mental health professionals; social workers; teachers; day care workers; law enforcement personnel.
·	By all of us taking some action, we can begin to eliminate the more than 3 million cases of child abuse and neglect that are reported each year in the United States.

About Child Abuse...

·	There are four main types of child abuse: Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse Emotional Abuse Neglect
·	The consequences of child abuse can be both serious and long term.
·	Any family can be affected, regardless of socioeconomics, race, or ethnicity.

Signs of Child Abuse...

·	Signs of emotional abuse: Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression. Is delayed in physical or emotional development. Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.
·	Signs of neglect: Is frequently absent from school. Begs or steals food or money from classmates. States that there is no one at home to provide care. Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.

What You Can Do...

·	Be a friend to a parent you know.
·	Be a friend to a child you know.
·	Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another's children.
·	Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family.
·	Volunteer your time and support community programs that provide parent support groups, respite nurseries or day care centers.

For More Information...

·	Prevent Child Abuse America www.preventchildabuse.org 1-800-CHILDREN