Page 19 - April 2016 Life In Naples Magazine
P. 19
“Imagine if all poetry clues without pushing too hard. When a child doesn’t want
to go home from school, or activities, or when he tends to
expressed only despair avoid one particular adult or older child, there is always a
and hopelessness, but reason. It may be as simple as “he smells funny,” but it could
none of the simple joys of be something much more dangerous. Make sure that child
is not alone with such a person until you find out what is
”just being alive? causing the feelings.
of violent crime. CAC’s immediate action is to mobilize its 4. NOTICE
Child Protection Team to make sure these children are safe
and receive the medical treatment they need, and then to Inappropriate clothing, such as long sleeves on a hot day,
provide staff counseling and psychological services as well could be hiding marks or bruises. A sudden change in
as family counseling and support, while its legal advocates behavior, poor hygiene, or provocative talk, dress or actions
remain with the children through the court process and could be a sign of abuse.
beyond.
5. CALL
The long-term vision of the Children’s Advocacy Center
is to create a community where child abuse is not tolerated. If you know or suspect a child is being abused, do not wait!
Both the City of Naples and Collier County wholeheartedly Please call 1(800) 96-abuse.
support this goal, and to honor this nonprofit organization’s By state and federal child protection laws, adults can be held
30 years of service to our youngest citizens, April 2016 has accountable for failure to act on behalf of an abused child, or
been proclaimed Children’s Advocacy Center Month. even for allowing a child to witness domestic violence.
This month, dialogues about child abuse and its solutions 6. REASSURE
are being held publicly and privately in every community
throughout the country. How can we each protect our If a child is being bullied or abused, let them know that it is
children, grandchildren or a child we know against abuse? not their fault.
How do we recognize signs of abuse in our community, and
what are the resources to help? What can one person or one 7. VOLUNTEER
group do to help bring the simple poetic concepts of safety,
love, joy and hope into the lives of the most vulnerable Whatever your talent or interest; whatever time you have
among us? The staff of the CAC offer these 10 ways we can to give, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collier County
all share the vision, beginning right now during National has many opportunities to help make a difference. While
Child Abuse Prevention Month. volunteers cannot be assigned to work directly with the
children, volunteers are needed in the office, to serve on
1. PLAY committees, to help with special events, and to staff Olivia’s
Closet, which provides clothing for the children served. To
Children learn that it’s okay to laugh and be silly from the find out more about the CAC programs call 239.263.8383.
adults they love. Get your face painted at the festival, too!
Laughter is bonding, and conversation flows easier. 8. SUPPORT
If you have more than one child, do something special
with each one individually. Walk the dog and talk, grab a Individuals can donate new clothing with tags or new
sandwich and talk, window shop on 5th Avenue and talk. stuffed animals, or buy tickets to special fundraisers such
“Just me time” provides the opportunity for a child to be as the annual CAC Golf Classic coming up in May. Retail
comfortable in sharing their feelings. establishments can place donation boxes at their cash
registers. Companies and organizations can host fundraisers
2. ASK or become event sponsors.
Be curious, and let them know you love hearing the little 9. SPEAK OUT
details from their school day, activity or play date. A
conversation starter such as “What was the funniest thing If you, a member of your family or someone you love has
that happened today?” could lead to “What was the hardest ever been a victim of abuse, sharing your story and providing
thing you had to do,” or “What was the scariest thing?” resource materials can help empower others.
3. LISTEN 10. INVEST
Often, a child will try to tell a trusted adult something Make a financial contribution that will help accomplish the
indirectly. If she says she “hates” someone, keep listening for vision to make Collier County a community where child
abuse is not tolerated. Typically, intervention occurs only
after abuse is reported. Greater investments in positive
parenting, education and family support programs have
been proven to prevent abuse before it starts. For more
information, visit www.caccollier.org or call Jackie Stephens,
CEO, 239. 263.8383.
Life in Naples | April 2016 19
