April 2008
Dear Friends,
If you are a frequent visitor to the Children Matter Network (CMN) website, you will notice a change in the format for this month. In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, CMN is dedicating the focus of the website to material you can use in your particular ministry with children; pastoral, parental or educational.
As people of faith, who frequently turn to prayer when seeking guidance and graces, we are providing materials that can be incorporated into parish liturgies, prayer opportunities, etc. A Liturgy Link has been placed on the website. We hope that you can include these prayers in masses, prayer services, and personal reflections, and offer them to those who are victims of child abuse as well as those who are at risk.
The United States Catholic Bishops’ Conference through the Office of Child and Youth Protection has also made available material for all to use in connection with the April Prevent Child Abuse Campaign. You can access this material by visiting their website at www.usccb.org.
We, in the Archdiocese of Chicago, have had the privilege to partner with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois (A chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America). Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, was established in 1990, and its mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect across the state of Illinois. They have worked to protect children and strengthen families through public awareness, education, advocacy and community assistance. Each April Prevent Child Abuse Illinois creates a Child Abuse Prevention Month Community Packet, for community groups and organizations that are dedicated to preventing child abuse by building awareness.
The following materials are included in the 2008 Child Abuse Prevention Month Community Packet:
- An introduction letter from the Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois
- Instructions on how to use the Prevention Month Packet
- Facts About Child Abuse
- Warning Signs of Abuse
- What to Do in Your Community
- Community Prevention Campaigns
- The Story of the Blue Ribbon – symbol of Prevent Child Abuse Awareness
- Introduction of the Pinwheel – symbol to help promote child abuse awareness
- Remembering the 5 R’s
- What to Do if You See Child Abuse in a Public Place
- Community Contacts and Resources
- What It Takes to be a Nurturing Parent
- What Can I Do?
- Sample Media Releases
- Sample Newsletter Article
- Sample Bookmarks for Blue Ribbon Campaigns and other activities
- Prevent Child Abuse material order forms
- Packet Evaluation Form
Whew! I told you it’s a comprehensive packet of resources. We have been given permission by Prevent Child Abuse Illinois to use the material as we wish. They ask, however, that we not change the context nor replace their logo(s) with parish/school logo(s).
It may be an overabundance of material – or if you will, an abundance of blessings – but it demonstrates the seriousness, commitment and collaboration we are all part of to prevent child abuse.
When you visit Children Matter Network in May, we will have resumed the usual format of providing resources year round for the well-being of our children. In the meantime, you will see that you are still able to access Children Matter Network material on the left-hand side of this website.
Thank you for partnering with us in building awareness of and preventing child abuse.
Peace,
Womazetta Jones, M.A., Director
Safe Environment Office
Archdiocese of Chicago