Here we go...continuing on our journey to learn about each of the 6 Protective Factors that may help families to avoid child abuse, neglect, and other types of violence. We have discussed factors 1-4 and today we will discuss #5, the second to last protective factor.
Be sure to remember that these factors serve as guidelines and may need to be slightly modified to fit each family's particular situation. However, the root of their advice applies to everyone. These factors have been linked to lower incidences of child abuse and neglect and so their advice should be taken seriously and with great consideration.
Protective Factor #5: Concrete Support Services for Parents
All families experience times of crisis, whether it be a natural disaster, unstable finances, inadequate health insurance or medical care, or a death in the family. These crises vary, but will create stress for parents and could often pose a risk to the children in the home as well. These circumstances are beyond the realm of child-parent relationships, but can still pose a great risk to a parent's ability to cope and care for their children at the same time.
This is where support services for parents makes their greatest leap. In most cities around the country, there are community resources that can help parents meet their basic needs and help guide them through tough times (www.childwelfare.gov). Concrete, social support through counseling services, food drives, transportation and housing services, as well as clothing needs, can usually be met in some degree by services within the community.
These services are not meant to completely support a family, but can certainly supplement family needs when times get tough. Utilizing these services to help in the care of your children does not make you greedy or incapable of caring for your kids. The services are there as a protective factor to help protect your children from the inescapable burdens of life. Parents, utilize these services if needed.
In some cases, you may find that your community lacks a certain service that you, or someone you know, could have benefited from. In this case, parents are a powerful advocate for a cause, and this could be your calling to step up to legislature and community leaders in order to establish new programs (HeadStart, ECLKC.gov). Other helpful programs could be low-cost, after-school programs, or safe transportation for your teenagers (www.childwelfare.gov).
Remember, as a parent your ability to cope and deal with stress is necessary for the health and well-being of your children. Concrete, substantial, support services in your community can aid you in being the best parent possible. Reach out to them, and encourage other parents you know to do the same, so that your kiddos come first.
Some Concrete Support Services for Parents in the Oklahoma City area include:
Family Builders
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Family & Children's Services
EduCare - Tulsa
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Child Care & Development Fund
Emergency Infant Services
Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency
Shelter for Friends
and many, many more!
If you need some type of support, do not hesitate to contact us at Family Builders. We can get you in touch with the right people!
www.familybuildersok.org
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