There are many opportunities to be involved as an individual in child abuse prevention. To volunteer, email, pcaky@pcaky.org.
Write an Op-Ed about preventing child abuse and neglect for the local newspaper.
Advocate by writing or calling elected officials in effort to seek greater support for child abuse and neglect prevention, and to let them know children are a priority.
As a preschool teacher, establish informational meetings for parents of young children to provide them with information on parenting.
Share your experiences with positively handling stress with families facing similar challenges.
Learn more about Kentucky Strengthening Families and protective factors, and share the information with friends, family and social groups.
Let PCAK know of your interest in the PCAK Legislative Network.
Distribute parenting information in your community.
Babysit free of charge so parents can take a break.
Ask your place of worship or child’s athletic organization what steps they are taking to ensure children are safe from child predators.
Organize the planting of a pinwheel garden in your community.
Talk to members of your worship community about involvement in child abuse prevention.
Register and participate in the annual Lexi Memorial 5K Run/Walk.
Participate in the annual Wear Blue Day in April – post a photo on social media using #CommitToPrevent and send to pcaky@pcaky.org.
Talk to parents about typical child development.
Arrange a “parent support group” so mom/dad can share the joys and challenges of parenting while children have the opportunity to play together.
As a grandparent, take care of a grandchild each week to relieve some pressure on my son/daughter.
Run an errand, bake cookies or prepare a meal for a new parent in the neighborhood.
Volunteer time to a child or youth-serving organization.
Learn the names of all the children, and their parents, living on my street. Be kind, generous and helpful to them.
Offer a neighbor a ride to an activity.
Model nurturing care to parents of young children.
Be a support to a parent who is in the midst of stressful situations. Help out where you can.
Be an approachable, patient and supportive listener. Listen without being critical toward children or parents.
Be a positive role model. Provide positive feedback to help build the self-esteem of children and parents you interact with regularly.
Look for opportunities to encourage and reinforce positive behavior.
Never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control.
