April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services is spreading child abuse prevention awareness through America’s favorite pastime, baseball. MDCPS is partnering with The University of Mississippi to host Family Night at the Dug Out at the Ole Miss vs Alcorn State baseball game at Swayze Field on Wednesday, April 12th at 6:30 pm. Many families who have experienced the foster care system through in-home prevention or foster care services will be invited as guests to the game. There will also be information booths where attendees can learn about child abuse prevention and ways to get involved to support families in their communities. Prevention is the best way to reduce child abuse and neglect and to improve the lives of children and families. When we put children first, Mississippi wins!
MDCPS Commissioner Andrea Sanders stated, “One of the most important things we can do is support families in ways that educate, encourage, and build upon their strengths. Children are less likely to suffer trauma when families have the tools they need to safely care for their children.”
This month and throughout the year, MDCPS encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Mississippi a better place for families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete support. You can find more information about protective factors in the 2023/2024 Prevention Resource Guide at www.childwelfare.gov.
The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services serves to protect children, support families, and encourage lasting family connections. To learn more, please visit www.mdcps.ms.gov. If you have reason to suspect that a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, please contact our hotline at 1-800-222-8000.
