Partners in Prevention is a statewide initiative that focuses on innovative and effective strategies that build strong families and communities in order to prevent child abuse and neglect. This approach is built on collaboration between community groups, state and local organizations, and local teams conducting local projects to strengthen families, protect children, and engage the public in their efforts. Through educated workshops, networking, and mini-grants, the goals of the teams are:
- raise awareness about the prevention of child abuse and neglect
- develop and expand effective services that prevent or reduce child maltreatment
- inform policymakers about best practices in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
The 5 Protective Factors
Partners in Prevention works to build “Circles of Caring” around families, otherwise known as the 5 Protective Factors:
- Parental Resilience – The ability to cope and bounce back from challenges.
- Social Connections – Friends, family, neighbors, and others who provide emotional support and assistance.
- Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development – Accurate information about raising children & appropriate expectations for their behavior.
- Concrete Support in Times of Need – Being able to cover day-to-day expenses and unexpected costs, and access to support structures such as health services, counseling, and social services.
- Children’s Social and Emotional Development – A child’s ability to interact positively with others and communicate his or her emotions effectively.
Every April during Child Abuse Prevention Month, CCFRN and many partner organizations around the state plant “pinwheel gardens” in their communities to celebrate the good things our communities do to promote healthy child development.
RESOURCE: Good Beginnings Last a Lifetime Campaign Webinar Video
The pinwheel is the symbol of hope for great childhoods all children deserve because our children are our future.
2020-21 “Good Beginnings Last a Lifetime”
“Good Beginnings Last a Lifetime” promotes children growing up in safe, healthy, nurturing environments in Cabell County. Strategies for the promotion of health, safety, prevention, and community resources to support families are:
- Awareness campaign and “Pinwheels Gardens” that represent happy childhoods for all children,
- Resource information that emphasizes what children need for a good start in life, promotive and protective factors that mitigate risk factors,
- Training through creative methods and community partner engagement for a middle school “Girl Power.
To learn more about Prevent Child Abuse WV or Partners in Prevention, visit their website – http://www.preventchildabusewv.org/partners-in-prevention.html
The Partners in Prevention Community Grants are supported by The West Virginia Children’s Trust Fund, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.
PCA WV has a variety of resources to assist communities in implementing Child Abuse Month activities including a series of Fact Sheets that are available for download. Click below…
Link to WV Resource Guide for Caregivers: https://bit.ly/WVCOVID19Guide