April is national Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention month and Governor Dalrymple signed a proclamation declaring April as “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month” in North Dakota. Bowman/Slope Multi-County Social Services works year around on prevention efforts, but is excited to have a special focus on prevention efforts throughout the month of April with fun activities and events.
There is a strong need for prevention efforts in Bowman and Slope Counties as child abuse and neglect concerns continue to rise. All children deserve to grow up healthy, happy, and cared for. Types of abuse include: physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. The department is focusing on emotional abuse this year as this type of abuse is harder to see and stop.
Emotional abuse is when adults use insults, threats, name calling and harsh words towards their child. Children who are emotionally abused often experience learning problems, low self-esteem, physical and emotional problems, and trouble getting along with others, and become depressed. Research shows that child abuse and neglect change a child’s brain architecture and that the effects of child abuse and neglect can last a lifetime.
Long-term problems that affect the community include criminal, violent or angry behavior; difficulty trusting others and forming relationships; alcohol or other drug abuse, mental illness, and ongoing health problems.
The causes of emotional abuse can be: past experience by adults who were emotionally abused themselves, lack of knowledge, and stress.
Social Services would like to encourage people to report concerns they may have. North Dakota laws require than an individual have reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected.
If anyone has a serious concern about the safety of a child, file a report.
Reporting laws do not require proof as that is established by Social Services and authorities. Reporting abuse can help connect families with counseling or other services that may increase safety and promote a healthier, happier home. This may help to relieve a family’s stress and help to prevent future abuse.
Concerns in Bowman and Slope County can reported by calling Bowman/Slope County Social Services at 701-523-3285, faxing concerns to 523-5871, or mailing concerns to 104 First St NW Suite 8 Bowman, ND 58623. Individuals can also stop in the office to visit with a Social Worker. Concerns in other counties can also be reported by contacting your County Social Service office.
Social Services to hold 2nd annual Family Fun Fair
For the second year, the Bowman/Slope Multi County Social Services District will host a Family Fun Fair, along with Prevent Child Abuse of North Dakota, for families in the Bowman and Slope County area from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. April 21.
There will be resources provided to families, as well as food, bouncy houses and prizes for local youths. The event is open to all ages.
The district is also offering parenting classes in April and May in Bowman.
A Love and Logic Early Childhood Parenting class will be held April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17 and May 24. The classes are from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Tot Lot in Bowman.
Free supper and childcare will be provided. Growing Futures Childcare Training Hours available.