April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

The future prosperity of any community depends on its ability to foster the health and well-being of the next generation. Yet, when not all children have equal opportunity for healthy growth and development — due to experiences of child abuse and neglect — we put our future at risk.

Together we can make a difference year-round through small acts that help protect children. When you call to report suspected abuse or neglect, the responder will ask for identifying information. Although those reports can be made anonymously, the contact information of the reporting person is almost always collected for follow-up purposes. Here are the steps that follow a report: • Initial screening: The responder will assess the immediate safety and welfare of the child. If Child Protective Services learns that the call involves a military family, they will often contact the installation Family Advocacy Program (FAP). If FAP receives your call, they will call the appropriate Child Protective Services office. • Installation involvement: When FAP receives a report, they will first make a plan to ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the child. FAP will notify the commander of the child’s active-duty parent, law enforcement, the Medical Treatment Facility and Child Protective Services. These key players work as a team to ensure that children are protected, and the family receives the services needed to build and maintain healthy family relationships. FAP encourages Soldiers and families to participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month activities. Check benning.armymwr.com for special events in April or call 706-545-3202. The FAP office is located at 7131 Richardson Circle, Lewis Hall, Building 6, first floor.

The Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, known as SHARP, exists so the Army can prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults. Our goal is to eliminate sexual assaults and sexual harassment by creating a climate that respects the dignity of every member of the Army family. HOW CAN I HELP IF I WITNESS SOMETHING? TAKE ACTION!

• As a band of brothers and sisters, we have a duty and obligation to take action.

• Notice the event.

• Interpret the event as a problem.

• Decide on how to intervene - direct, distract, delegate - and take action!

24/7 HOTLINE, 706-566-7393