CRESTVIEW — Throughout April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, organizations and businesses are hosting events to protect our most vulnerable residents.
FamiliesFirst Network has created a coalition of child-friendly organizations to promote awareness about child abuse and prevention. These groups arrange events under the From Blue to Better campaign to help raise awareness for child abuse prevention.
In addition, the Department of Children and Families is participating in a national movement to change the way people think about child abuse prevention by focusing on healthy child development.
Stimulating and nurturing environments improve a child’s cognitive, psychological, behavioral and physical well being, while neglectful or abusive experiences depress mental and physical growth, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway’s 2012 Research Guide.
Parents and caregivers who have supportive social networks are better equipped to provide safe and nurturing environments for their children, according to the guide.
For more about upcoming child abuse awareness events in Northwest Florida, visit the Blue to Better website.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Child abuse awareness takes focus this month in NWF