March 27, 2019

How To Reduce the Risk of Child Abuse and Neglect

Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect

April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) month. During this month and throughout the year, CDA is dedicated to supporting families to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. Child Abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting consequences. By working together as a community, we can all play a part in preventing child maltreatment and creating strong and thriving families.

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Child abuse and neglect include all types of abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a protective role (babysitter, teacher, coach) that result in harm, potential harm, or threat of harm to a child. There are four common types of child abuse:

  • Physical abuse is a physical injury as a result of hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other shows of force against a child.
  • Sexual abuse is any situation where a child is used for sexual gratification. It includes behaviors such as indecent exposure, fondling, rape, and exposing a child to other sexual activities.
  • Emotional abuse refers to behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. Examples include name calling, shaming, rejection, withholding love, and threatening.
  • Neglect is a failure to meet a child’s basic physical and emotional needs. These needs include housing, food, clothing, and access to medical care.
Child abuse and neglect affect children of every age, race, and income level.

Some of the risk factors include the following:

  • Immaturity. Young parents may lack experience with children or be unprepared for the responsibility of raising a child.
  • Unrealistic expectations. A lack of knowledge about normal child development or behavior may result in frustration and, ultimately, abusive discipline.
  • Stress. Families struggling with poverty, unstable housing, divorce, or unemployment may be at higher risk.
  • Substance use. The effects of substance use, as well as time, energy, and money spent obtaining drugs or alcohol, significantly impair parents’ abilities to care for the children.
  • Intergenerational trauma. Parents’ own experiences of childhood trauma can impact their relationships with their children.
  • Isolation. Effective parenting is more difficult when parents lack a supportive partner, family, or community.
Helpful tips for breaking the cycle of abuse:
  • Have realistic expectations of what children can handle at certain ages and stages to avoid frustration and anger.
  • Develop new parenting skills by learning positive discipline techniques and how to set clear boundaries for your children.
  • Take care of yourself by getting enough rest and asking for support when you are feeling overwhelmed.
  • Get help! Asking for help can be very difficult, but the outcome is worth the effort and your children will thank you for it.í
How to Keep Your Family Strong

Being the best parent you can be involves taking steps to strengthen your family and finding support when you need it. Parenting isn’t something you have to do alone. Click on the link below to learn about “How to Keep Your Family Strong.”

How To Keep Your Family Strong (Para Español, haga clic aquí.)

When you have the knowledge, skills, and resources you need, you can raise a happy, healthy child.  Click on the link below to implement activities that promote strong thriving families during CAP month.

Activity Calendar For Parents (Para Español, haga clic aquí.)

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need additional resources at 619-427-4411 ext. 1416 or by email at jordinario@cdasd.org

Sincerely,

Jenny Ordinario
CDA Family Resources Coordinator

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CDA Reimbursement Schedule
Family is authorized with a variable schedule

Variable schedules are reimbursed for the actual care hours provided that are within the hours authorized. The reimbursement will not exceed the amount billed by the provider or the full-time (FT) or part-time (PT) RMRC listed on the certificate for child care services. CDA will not reimburse for child absences, provider holiday or closure days on a variable schedule. If the full billed/invoiced amount is not paid, the parent is responsible for the difference directly to the provider.

Reimbursement of provider non-operation days/holidays

The number of reimbursable provider holidays and/or non-operation days is limited to a maximum of 10 days per fiscal year. Once these allowable limits are exceeded, reimbursement will be prorated for future closure days.

Reimbursement of registration fees, material fees, insurance fees

Fees for registration, material and/or insurance may be reimbursed if the current reimbursement amount does not exceed the Regional Market Rate Ceiling (RMRC). Reimbursement of these fees is limited to one (1) per child, per fiscal year and will be made in a single payment when requested on the child’s attendance record.

Note: For providers with programs that have multiple fees in one year or where it has been determined that the reimbursement amount exceeds the RMRC, the excess fees will be the responsibility of the parent.

License-Exempt Providers

When child care is authorized for a total of 25 or more hours per week the Full Time Weekly RMRC will be used. When child care is authorized for a total of less than 25 hours per week the Part Time RMRC will be used.

View the State’s RMRC by County See the full Program Guidelines

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To receive a personal eligibility screening, please call us at: (619) 427-4411 ext. 1400