LIHU‘E — Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. He met with representatives of different organizations with the common goal of keeping Kaua‘i’s keiki from being abused. During the proclamation, Carvalho commends the professionals and volunteers
LIHU‘E — Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. He met with representatives of different organizations with the common goal of keeping Kaua‘i’s keiki from being abused.
During the proclamation, Carvalho commends the professionals and volunteers in Kaua‘i’s community for protecting Kaua‘i’s children and supporting families, said Jessell Kerr, director of the Children’s Justice Center.
The County of Kaua‘i is stronger when all citizens become aware of child abuse and neglect prevention and become involved in supporting parents to raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment, Kerr said.
Armed with blue pinwheels, the nationwide symbol for child abuse prevention, representatives from the Children’s Justice Center, Department of Health, Kaua‘i Police Department, the Prosecuting Attorney and Hale ‘Opio Kaua‘i gathered with Carvalho to announce the event.
Research shows that when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth and families are promoted.
The six protective factors are nurturing and attachment, knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development, parental resilience, social connections, concrete supports for parents, social and emotional developmental well-being.
Visit www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth for more information.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
