Child Abuse Prevention Month Focuses on Spanking

In the past year, multiple sports figures have been in the media spotlight for acts of violence. Where spousal abuse and/or assault are concerned, there is little debate. Yet when it comes to children, there is disagreement about what is considered acceptable adult behavior.

This April, the local Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign focuses on spanking and alternatives to violence against children.

Child Abuse Prevention Academy: a big success

Full house: 150 attendees learning about child abuse prevention



Our 2015 Child Abuse Prevention Academy on February 27 was a big success…literally.

As the morning fog drifted outside, some 150 people packed into Santa Barbara City College’s East Campus Auditorium. A diverse crowd of students and professionals in education, health & human services, public safety, and other occupations, they partook in networking and light refreshments, and then occupied every last seat in the cavernous hall for the day’s presentations.

Barbara Finch of the Child Abuse Prevention Council kicked off the event, and then handed it over to the presenters: Yolanda Perez and Marianne Reagan of Child Welfare Services, and Teressa Rodriguez-Johnes of First 5. The presenters explained the mandated-reporter law, which requires people in certain occupations (including those represented in the room) to promptly report suspected child abuse or neglect to Child Welfare Services or law enforcement. Readily fielding audience questions, the presenters also explained in detail the role of Child Welfare Services, and the risk and protective factors for abuse and neglect, among other topics.

At lunchtime, the big hall cleared out as attendees completed their training evaluations, picked up their certificates of participation, said goodbye to friends old and new, and drifted off like the morning fog.

Slides and video of the presentations, as well as the results of the training evaluations, are available at the event webpage: www.capa-sb.com.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Focuses on Neglect

Our prevention poster...click it to enlarge!

How can we prevent child abuse and neglect? Every April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, when we help communities answer that question by sharing activities and information to build awareness and knowledge.