'Time Out Teddy' Kicks OffChild Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and it marks the important role that communities play in protecting children. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, child abuse and neglect can be prevented by strengthening families and communities.

In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month the Bradford Exchange Club is partnering with Safe Kids McKean and Bradford Regional Medical Center’s ‘Bringing Up Safe Babies’ campaign.

From left to right in the photo: Kathleen Peace, Bradford Exchange Club secretary and members of Safe Kids McKean, Paula Platko BRMC nurse manager, Obstetrics Unit, Kimberly Engstrom, director, Rainbow Corner Preschool, and Kim Murphey, community relations coordinator, CARE for Children, place a Time Out Teddy Bear in all the Safe Baby Bags to be given out to every baby born at the medical center during the month of April.

“We are so pleased that so many groups support the Safe Baby campaign and that we have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the serious issues surrounding child abuse and neglect,” said Tina Martin, CARE executive director, the lead agency for Safe Kids McKean.

“This month the McKean County Collaborative Board, the McKean Department of Human Services, and other agencies and organizations have events and activities planned to highlight that ‘Parenting is one tough job’ and how the community can support efforts to support families and prevent child abuse,” said Martin.
The Safe Baby bags also contain childproofing safety kits sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Bradford; lead and immunization information and a bib from the PA Department of Health; Born Learning materials from the United Way; and other safety resources provided by area agencies.

The Exchange Club had already supported the Safe Baby campaign by providing Time Out Teddy brochures for the bags. The brochure provides parents with insights on developing positive and effective child-rearing skills; various needs of children for proper development; and how positive discipline can be effective through implementing time outs with children.

The National Exchange Club Foundation has adopted Time Out Teddy as its national spokes bear to carry the message of good parenting across America. The Exchange Club’s goal in focusing on child abuse programs and activities is to make a hands-on difference in the community—one child at a time.

Safe Kids McKean is a local coalition of individuals, organizations, businesses and civic groups that work together to advocate and promote child safety and injury prevention efforts targeted to community needs. CARE for Children is the lead agency for Safe Kids McKean, for more information please visit Safe Kids McKean County Web Site.

Photo Courtesy of CARE for Children

Our second annaul series on Child Abuse Prevention starts on tomorrow's LiveLine with Lee Sizemore and Duane Wolfe.