Child advocates urge community vigilance against abuse
By Staff Report
During April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, Santa Clara County officials call on all residents to be alert and report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.
“Protecting children falls on all of us as a society,” said Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg. “We need the help of everyone in the community to keep our youth safe.”
The county’s Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) has a 24/7 hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect.
The toll-free number 1-833-SCC-KIDS (1-833-722-5437) is staffed around the clock by the Child Abuse and Neglect Center.
“If you notice or suspect a case of child abuse or neglect, please call the hotline,” urged Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, who represents the South Valley. “It takes a village to protect our children, just as it takes a village to raise them.”
Arenas encouraged those wanting to do more to consider becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer or a foster parent. For details, visit www.childadvocatessv.org/casa/
DFCS Director Damion Wright emphasized the need for culturally responsive services focused on prevention to ensure child safety and family healing.
“Our mission must be accomplished in partnership with communities, having our eyes on vulnerable children and arms around families needing support,” he said.
Surrounding kids with healthy relationships at home, school and in the community can prevent abuse and promote development, he said. Reducing societal issues like poverty and violence is also key.
To raise awareness, the county hosted a flag raising and proclamation by the Board of Supervisors on April 9.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of a collective mindset in this important responsibility,” Ellenberg said. “Our community’s involvement is absolutely essential.”
