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Know the signs of abuse and neglect; call 1-866-ENDHARM
OLYMPIA -- Governor Chris Gregoire has proclaimed April 2008 as Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM). Events across the state this month will emphasize the importance of reporting and preventing child abuse so that more Washington children have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and learn in safe, loving, and nurturing environments.
In her proclamation, the Governor urged all citizens to help protect and nurture our children. The goal of this annual month-long observance is to encourage individuals and organizations to work together to raise public awareness of child abuse and ways to prevent it.
"No one person can do everything, but everyone can do something… and together we can create change for the better," Gov. Gregoire said in the January 28 proclamation. "Dialing the toll-free number 1-866-ENDHARM makes it easier to protect the vulnerable."
In fiscal year 2007, the Department of Social and Health Services' Child Protective Services and its partners investigated more than 36,200 reports of abuse or neglect involving more than 42,300 children statewide. More than 12,900 of the calls regarding child abuse were made by friends, neighbors, relatives, and educators.
"Caring and alert community members are one of the first lines of defense in the prevention of child abuse. Public awareness of abuse symptoms and how to notify Child Protective Services (CPS) if abuse or neglect is suspected is a vital step to keeping children safe." said DSHS Assistant Secretary Cheryl Stephani, who leads the agency's Children's Administration.
Among the numerous agencies and organizations joining the Children's Administration in working to raise awareness of this important issue in our state are the Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (WCPCAN) and Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center.
Pinwheels will be distributed at conferences and events, along with brochures, 1-866-ENDHARM cards, information about neighborhood Family Support Centers and prevention tips for parents and caregivers about managing and reducing stress in the home.
The nationally recognized symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month is the pinwheel, which represents hope, childhood, promise, and optimism. Community, civic and faith-based groups, hospitals, media, and other organizations are hosting pinwheel planting ceremonies, seminars, and other activities during April.
April events commemorating Child Abuse Prevention Month in Washington include;
Members of the state news media can get a National Child Abuse Prevention Month tool kit at the WCPCAN website. The site features video and audio Public Service Announcements from Gov. Gregoire, Children's Hospital, DSHS and a variety of brochures, educational and Web resources.
Information about child abuse prevention and other issues relating to child safety is available online in Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, Vietnamese and other languages at the Children’s Administration Publications site. Downloadable 2008 resource packets are available in English "Tips for Parents" and Spanish "Consejos para los padres" through the Child Welfare Information Gateway.
A PDF of the most recent data from Child Protective Services County Referrals, 2007 is attached.
The 1-866-ENDHARM line
(1-866-363-4276)
Calling 1-866-ENDHARM to report abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult could save a life. Operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the child or vulnerable adult is in an immediate danger or it is an emergency situation, call 911.
Parents and caregivers who find themselves frustrated and who feel they may harm an infant, child or other vulnerable person are encouraged to call 1-866-ENDHARM, where they can get the help and resources they need.
Callers who do not speak English will be asked to stay on the line for an interpreter in their language. A customer service specialist who is bi-lingual in English and Spanish is available during most daytime hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing or has speech disabilities may use any of three ways to make a report:
