April...Awareness is Important!

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​Beginnings Family Enrichment is supportive of fostering and strengthening families by providing parent education and one-on-one coaching with an positive discipline, as well as providing training and consultation to child and family serving systems that promote positive behavior interventions, family engagement practices, and understanding the impact the of trauma on child development.  The month of April focuses on some key national initiatives and campaigns that are geared towards the specialized support and protection of children and families.

As a state advocate on children and family mental health policy, programs, and services, I remain very much so connected to early childhood intervention for children with mental health and developmental disabilities, child abuse and neglect prevention, and services for youth and families who have experienced victimization from crime and violence.  This month brings multiple passions and advocacy interests full circle.

Autism Awareness:  Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by repetitive and characteristic patterns of behavior and difficulties with social communication and interaction.  Nearly a quarter century ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, inclusion and self-determination for all, and assure that each person with ASD is provided the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. For more information and resources about ASD, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/

Child Abuse Prevention: During National Child Abuse Prevention Month we are focused on “strong, nurturing communities that are supportive of families can get involved and play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect and promoting child and family well-being.”  It is important to understand child abuse prevention and what to do when children are at risk.  Programs, such as BFE, promote family well-being by providing family resources and education on protective factors, marriage and relationships, fatherhood, and parenting.  The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse.

Sexual Assault Awareness: This year, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center's (NSVRC) campaign and efforts to raise awareness and provide resources for prevention. With the theme, “Prevention is possible,” NSVRC helps individuals, communities and the private sector understand how they can take action to promote safety, respect and equality to stop sexual assault before it happens.  If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).

Crime Victims Rights: Every year, the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW), which will be observed in 2016 on April 10–16. This year's theme—Serving Victims. Building Trust. Restoring Hope.—underscores the importance of early intervention and victim services in establishing trust with victims, which in turn begins to restore their hope for healing and recovery.

So this month, please join BFE in raising awareness in your community!

​Happy Beginnings!