Child Abuse Prevention Month

           April showers may bring May flowers, but did you know that April is also national child abuse prevention month? According to Childwelfare.gov, approximately two million children received child abuse prevention services in 2019. 1.3 million children received post-response services such as family support or foster care. Unfortunately, not all maltreated children get the care they need. Lack of advocates, support systems, and people willing to alert to issues going on in the home puts children across the country at risk.
              Child abuse and mistreatment in the home increase a child’s risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking. Abuse affects a child’s experience of the world, proliferate their chances of being exploited and becoming a part of the welfare system. These children become potential victims because they may be emotionally stunted, have a desire for connection, unfavorable living conditions, and traumatic experiences in their past.
              With all of these risk factors effecting children in our cities and small towns, it is important for members of the community to take a leadership role towards making an impact. Ways to do that are:  become a youth mentor, taking time to talk to children you know about the dangers of human trafficking, as well as finding organizations fighting human trafficking and child abuse in your area are all wonderful resources. You could be the positive impact that saves a child’s life. The Paving the Way Foundation can provide you with information and resources to help you become the change you want to see in the world. All you have to do is reach out, why not start today?