NEW HAVEN URGES FAMILIES TO “TAKE 5” TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

(4/8/2010) NEW HAVEN- April is National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month and the City of New Haven’s Department of Health and Community Services Administration encourage all individuals and organizations to play a role in making New Haven a better and safer place for children and their families.

“Strong families build strong communities,” said Dr. Chisara Asomugha, the City’s Community Services Administrator and Acting Health Director. “Families, caregivers and parents are encouraged to learn about our Take 5 initiative and protect their children from abuse and neglect.”

The New Haven Health Department’s Nurturing Families Network, supported by the Children’s Trust Fund, is taking this month to promote the “Take 5” initiative. “Take 5” gives parents and caretakers the tools they need to be stronger and better parents.

Parents, caretakers, organizations, faith communities, business and public agencies can all “Take 5” for a child by promoting these 5 tips:

When the stress and exhaustion of parenting and caring for a child becomes overwhelming:

? Take 5 seconds and close your eyes…

? Take 5 deep breaths…

? Take 5 steps back…

? Take 5 minutes to find out where you can get help…

? Make a 5 minute phone call and ask for help…

“We want residents, businesses and the media to help us get the word out about this and share these tips with the community because 5 minutes could improve the life of a child,” said Asomugha. “By supporting positive parenting, we can prevent child abuse and neglect!”

Additional information on the “Take 5” initiative is available on the City of New Haven website at www.cityofnewhaven.com.

[END]

Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660