Since 1983, April has been designated Child Abuse Prevention Month. While we work year-round to make child abuse prevention a priority, the Children Matter Network and the Office for the Protection of Children & Youth is using April to make available materials to parishes, schools, religious education program and parents to raise awareness about the prevention of child abuse. These materials offer assistance and guidance to parents and care givers.
The USCCB Office for the Protection of Children and Young People has provided resources that can be incorporated into parish and/or school liturgies. A Liturgy Guide is available at www.usccb.org/ocyp/capmonth/liturgy-guide-english.pdf. The link for the Spanish Liturgy Guide is www.usccb.org/ocyp/capmonth/liturgy-guide-spanish.pdf
The organization, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois (www.preventchildabuseillinois.org), provides downloadable materials and resources that parishes, schools, religious programs, organizations, parents and care givers can readily use. They have offered these materials for general use but ask that you not change the context nor replace their logo(s) with parish/school logo(s). Some of the titles of the handouts include:
- Facts About Child Abuse
- Warning Signs of Abuse
- What It Takes to Be a Nurturing Parent
- What Can I Do?
- What to Do in Your Community
It is our hope that you will use these resources to continue to build awareness of child sexual abuse and to pray for victims-survivors of child sexual abuse.
The staff of the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth thanks you for your continued commitment and efforts to prevent child sexual abuse.
Blessed Easter Season to you and your community!