Child abuse and neglect: Itís sad; itís frightening; itís challenging; the problems seem insurmountable. However, itís 100 percent preventable, experts say, and a variety of learning opportunities are available in April to highlight what individuals can do to stop child abuse and neglect.ìChild abuse and neglect are issues that affect us all, directly or indirectly,î said Ann Stager, R.N., director of the Maternal Child Health Program at the El Paso County Department of Health and Environment.ìTo eliminate child abuse and neglect, weíre all going to have to work together to support families and to link them with resources they need to build on their strengths. We need everyone at the table, including parents, human service agencies, faith and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, the business community and other interested citizens.îFrom October 2005 through September 2006, investigations conducted by the El Paso County Department of Human Services found 744 cases of child abuse or neglect in El Paso County. Statewide, during the same year, investigations resulted in 9,789 cases of child abuse or neglect. In Colorado, 35 children died as a result of child abuse or neglect in 2004. Nationally, about 872,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2004, and 1,387 of those children died.In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Partnership scheduled free, four-week series of workshops for professionals and the public. The following workshops will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 1305 N. Union Blvd.Tuesday, April 10: ìThe Effects of the Media on Childrenî and ìHow all Men Can, Should and Want to Help End Violence against Women and Children.îTuesday, April 17: ìEffects of Domestic Violence on Childrenî and ìHealthy Fathers, Healthy Children.îTuesday, April 24: ìA Nurturing Approach to Tending to the Caregiver in Youî and ìSeven Habits of Highly Effective Families.îTo register or find out more about the issue of child abuse, call 719-578-3200.The Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Partnership includes CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Center on Fathering, El Paso County Department of Health and Environment, El Paso County Department of Human Services, Pikes Peak Family Connections, Project Bloom and TESSA.
