This post was written by Tony GiaQuinta, MD, FAAP, pediatric section chief, Parkview Physicians Group; medical director, Better Future Clinic.
Indiana ranked 15th in the nation for abuse and neglect, with 18,267 total victims in 2023. That same year, Ohio ranked 27th with 20,598 victims. While the numbers are tragic, we don't have to despair.
Many child abuse specialists rely on a well-known study conducted by Harvard's Center on the Developing Child. It suggests that every child who winds up doing well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In observance of this year's theme, "Building a Hopeful Future Together," this post explores how we can all contribute to creating and nurturing a supportive environment for children and families.
Buffering childhood trauma
The kids I see at the Better Future Clinic have experienced serious trauma and have challenging roads ahead. Fortunately, we know the key to rescuing a child from their traumas is a caring, consistent adult in their lives. Parents most often provide this role; however, our job as parents is not to protect children from all pain and stress but to help them face it.
Stressful situations for children are everywhere. They can look like an unfair call during a baseball game, a bully at school or a fall off the playset. These are all painful experiences that we certainly wouldn't wish for, but they are all versions of tolerable stress. When a child receives support from a stable, secure adult in these moments, it builds their confidence. They learn that they can experience stressors and still be okay. We call this resilience, and it is a crucial life skill for every successful adult.
On the other hand, children who don't have these secure attachments in the home will often experience stress differently. Unbuffered, repetitive, sustained trauma and stress can lead to toxic stress. These children are not doing well. They may display maladaptive behaviors and emotional insecurities that, without rescue, can irreparably hinder their development.
How you can help
I do my job with hope and optimism, knowing these children can be rescued and become amazing, successful young adults. Here's where you come in, and guess what? Making a difference is easier than you think!
Children spell trust and connection with one simple four-letter word: T-I-M-E. You don't have to be an expert in child development or even a parent to make a difference. Giving your kindness, energy, patience, and most importantly, your time is the secret sauce. You just need to show up.
Examples include volunteering as a Little League coach, a Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentor, a court-appointed special advocate (CASA), or a Project Reads tutor with the Literacy Alliance. These are wonderful opportunities to engage, support and protect a child from stress. Many of these take just an hour of your time a week.
If volunteering isn't realistic for you right now, there are lots of other ways to stay involved. Here are some reads to help you show up for the young people in your life:
Supporting children and adolescent well-being in winter
Adoption and trauma: Getting the support you need
Pediatric mental health concerns and conversations
Dads make a difference (and deserve our support)
Speaking to your son about puberty
The importance of reading to children
Protect your child from sexual abuse
Teen mental health changes and challenges
Gender identity and supporting your LGBTQ+ teen
Coming together for adolescent mental health
Remember, every child is just one stable relationship away from being successful. Maybe that adult is you!
We are all responsible for speaking up when we suspect a child is being mistreated. If you suspect a child is experiencing or has experienced abuse, call the Indiana Department of Child Services Abuse and Neglect hotline, available 24/7 at 1-800-800-5556.
