Child Abuse Prevention Tips

							   Child Abuse Prevention Tips
1. Report suspected abuse or neglect to Hastings CAS.

2. Know what abuse and neglect are. Abuse is when a child is hurt
   intentionally or when a parent or caregiver fails to protect a child in
   their care.

3. Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic needs for food, clothing,
   shelter, sleep, medical attention, education and protection from
   harm.

4. Know the signs. Unexplained injuries, fear of a specific adult,
   difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in
   eating or sleeping patterns, poor hygiene, secrecy and inappropriate
   sexual behaviour could indicate a child is being abuse.

5. Volunteer. There are a lot of volunteer opportunities to help
   vulnerable children and families.

6. Too often, intervention occurs only after abuse is reported. Greater
   investments are needed in programs that have proven to stop abuse
   before it occurs. To support local programs, contact the Quinte
   Children’s Foundation.

7. Encourage community leaders to be supportive of kids and families.

8. Teach children their rights. When children are taught that they have
   the right to be safe, they’re less likely to think abuse is their fault
   and more likely to report an offender.

9. Discipline without hurting. Physical punishment teaches children
   that hitting is okay and it teaches them to be afraid and hide what
   they are doing from you.

10. Nobody is perfect. If you need help, ask for it. Call Hastings CAS or
    Quinte Children’s Foundation for more information about parenting
    services in Hastings County.