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Health & Fitness

NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: RECOGNIZE AND REPORT Show Support with $3 Wristbands

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time to recognize that we can each play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time to recognize that we can each play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities.

Big Family of Michigan is an organization helping to make life better for children waiting to be adopted, or in at-risk situations. One of their goals is to save children's lives by teaching the "Recognize and Report" method to everyone that comes in contact with any at-risk child, specifically foster children. The hope is to eliminate abuse to these children by teaching others to "recognize" signs of abuse and urge them to "report" it.

As the voice for these at-risk children, Big Family concentrates on restoring hope and self-esteem in children - who often feel hopeless.

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 How do you recognize an abused child:

  • The eyes of an abused and neglected child are blank, emotionless.
  • They show no signs of joy or emotion of any kind.
  • Most abused children do not establish eye contact. They will look over your head, at the floor, or at an object on an opposite wall.

What to do about it:

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  • If you suspect child abuse/neglect, or you think something in a certain home just isn't right (but you can't put your finger on it), call the toll free Michigan child abuse hotline at 855.444.3911, or 911.
  • Keep a paper trail of your calls, logging the date and time.
  • Document the name of the person that you spoke with.
  • Note the case number for reference in a follow-up call.
  • If you find nothing happening from Human Services, call again and again. Do not give up.

Remember this:

  • You do NOT need to prove child abuse is happening. You only have to suspect it is taking place.
  • Listen to the voice inside of you that is telling you that something does not appear right.
  • Make the call! If you are wrong, you will have caused no harm.

 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Big Family of Michigan is offering blue wristbands to raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  The blue bracelets are available for $3 and display “Child Abuse Awareness”.  100% of the proceeds will support the Love Pack* program of Big Family.

 Wristbands may be purchased by calling Big Family at 586.415.6968 or email jangelfun@sbcglobal.net.  To learn more about Big Family of Michigan, visit www.BigFamilyofMichigan.org.

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*Love Packs are goodie bags filled with age-appropriate items for children when they are removed from their homes. All bags include toothbrush and toothpaste, candy, and a beanie baby. Coloring books and crayons are included for the young children. The older children would also receive hair products, deodorant, and feminine products for the girls.

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