Greater Richmond SCAN - Latest News - National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Latest News

National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Often when remembering our childhood, we think of the fun and the freedom. When you're a child, it's healthy – even expected – to pretend to be whoever or whatever you want. Is there ever another time in your life when you laugh as hard or as often, or when it's okay to run screaming with wild abandon? In childhood, there is one job: to play

As parents, we want to provide what is best for our children—the best education, the best toys, and the best home. Unfortunately, we may often underestimate the importance of play. Play is essential for healthy development, but it is also a way for us to establish and keep good relationships with our children. It is our parental responsibility to make sure children have the time, materials, and space to play, but we can also be active participants in their playtime: it can still be our job to play, too.

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Greater Richmond SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) raises awareness for the children in our community who don’t have laughter and love in their lives. SCAN’s role also includes supporting all parents who want to provide safe, stable, nurturing homes for their children. Parenting matters, and at some point, EVERY parent needs help with ideas or solutions for universal parenting challenges.

Through our FAM program, SCAN works with the community to make sure parents feel supported, accepted, and well-educated when it comes to child-rearing and child development. If we can promote positive parenting and healthy families, every child will benefit

We can start by playing. During the April National Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign, we will be distributing information on being a playful parent with children of all ages and stages and provide ways that you can help promote healthy families—including yours.

I would like to thank Style Weekly for their ongoing commitment to SCAN and support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. We are also pleased to be again joined by Bon Secours Richmond Health System and Owens and Minor. All three of our Blue Ribbon Partners have demonstrated on ongoing dedication to the children and families in this area. I hope you will join our efforts, too.

I encourage you to look at our special section in the recent Style Weekly to learn more about positive discipline and ways you can participate in this year’s campaign. If you would like your company or organization to be a 2008 Blue Ribbon Partner, please complete and return the below sign up form. I also invite you to visit our new www.FAMRichmond.org site, where we have provided information about local educational opportunities for parents and links to helpful sites on a variety of child-related issues.

Thank you for helping us improve the lives of children!