ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --
It takes two to bring a child into the world, and it takes everyone to keep that child safe.
April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, a time when the Defense Department educates its workforce on its role in preventing child abuse and providing children a safe environment in which to grow and learn.
DOD’s 2017 focus for the month is “Step up – keep kids safe and supervised – engage and pay attention, prevent accidents. Speak up – if you witness abuse or neglect, call it in -we all have a role to play in protecting children. Reach Out – it’s ok to ask for support – recognize when you are struggling and get help.”
John Reeves, Family Advocacy officer for the Robins’ Family Advocacy Program, said child abuse prevention reaches beyond a child’s home.
“Children have a right to be safe and provided an opportunity to grow, learn and thrive in a positive environment,” he said. “Since children are a community’s future, it is the responsibility of everyone in the community to do all they can to help children thrive and not be destroyed by child abuse. When we all play a part in prevention, then together, we can all make a difference in our future.”
Robins AFB’s primary tool to help prevent child abuse is the Family Advocacy Program.
“FAP provides parenting and couples’ enrichment classes to support parents and give them tools in their toolboxes for healthier living,” Reeves said. “FAP also offers New Parent Support Program (NPSP) services to expecting parents and those with children up to aged 36 months.”
NPSP services are provided by nurses and social workers who bring individualized educational services into the home, making it more convenient to parents so they don’t have to drag out new baby or toddler for appointments.
“Staff focus on parents’ concerns, as well as helping the parent monitor the ages and stages of the child’s development,” Reeves said. “Additionally, NPSP offers the monthly Passport to Parent class for expecting parents and DADS: The Basics for those dads just entering the trenches of fatherhood. DADS is offered twice a year with the next one rolling out this month.”
All FAP classes are open to anyone with base access. NPSP services are available to Tricare eligible beneficiaries.
To learn more or find out how to get involved in Child Abuse Prevention, people can call FAP at 478-327-8398.
Schedule of events for April
April 10, 17, 24 – BLUE MONDAY, Wear Blue in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness, Photos can be submitted to Robins.fap@us.af.mil for Facebook spotlight.
Through April 30 – Pinwheels for Prevention Table Display, Bldg. 700, 78thMedical Group Atrium
Through April 30 –Pinwheels for Prevention and Awareness Sandwich Board/Display, Exchange and Russell Parkway Gate
April 14, 21, 28 –DADS: The Basics class for new or expecting dads, 1 to 3 p.m., Family Advocacy Program, Bldg. 700, 655 7th Street RAFB (Registration required: 478-327-8398)
April 18 –Passport to Parenthood(for expecting parents), 8:30 a.m. to noon, HAWC, Bldg. 827, (Registration required: 478-327-8398)
April 28 –Child Abuse Mandated Reporting Training, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Rainbow House, 108 Elmwood, Warner Robins (Registration required: 478-923-5923)
May 6–No Excuse for Child Abuse 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run (5K at 8 am, 1 mile fun run at 9 a.m.) Central Ga. Technical College, 80 Cohen Walker Drive, Warner Robins
For more info on events, contact Robins AFB Family Advocacy Program 478-327-8398