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Services
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Child Abuse Prevention
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As the state chapter for
Prevent Child Abuse America, Kansas Children’s Service League coordinates
the work of the organization in Kansas to build awareness, provide education, organize
activities, and lead advocacy efforts to prevent the abuse and neglect of children.
You can help prevent child abuse and neglect in your community and state. Here’s
some suggestions of things you can do to help keep kids safe and strong –
right from the start:
- Advocate: Help change the way our state and nation thinks about
prevention by focusing on community activities and public policies that prioritize
prevention right from the start. Contact local, state, and national law makers about
the importance of prevention programs.
- Volunteer: Serve on a committee or board or volunteer for a program. We all play a role in
raising children whether we are neighbors, educators, caregivers, or family members.
- Educate: Contact local school districts and faith communities about
sponsoring classes for parents. Be a mentor to a new parent; share your skills with
your neighbors. A healthy, nurturing environment for children to grow is one of
the best lifelong investments we can make.
- Support: Get to know and support the children and families in your
community. With the support of engaged communities and nurturing families, all of
our children can thrive. Know the resources available in your community and how
to connect families to them. Call the Parent Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN for information
on services available where you live.
- Report: Recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
If you suspect abuse or neglect call 1-800-922-5330.
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KCSL’s 1-800-CHILDREN call line, resource directory and mobile app provides judgment-free parenting support 24/7 in English and Spanish as well as 200 additional languages.
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Recent research in the field of child abuse and neglect prevention focuses on Adverse Childhood
Experiences (ACEs). ACEs include abuse and neglect as well as other household dysfunctions or
circumstances that affect children adversely including substance abuse, parental separation or divorce,
mental illness, domestic violence and incarcerated parents. The childhood trauma stemming from early
adversity has a profound impact on social connections, school readiness and the increased likelihood of
developing negative health behaviors that can lead to disease and early death.
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Bullying is a form of child abuse. To help meet the demand for bullying prevention
strategies, KCSL has teamed-up with nationally recognized bullying prevention expert
SuEllen Fried (BullySafeUSA) to offer an innovative range of learning opportunities
for students, educators, and community members.
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KCSL offers face-to-face trainings for mandated reporter groups and others across
the state.
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Each April, KCSL organizes and coordinates state and local events, distribution
of resources and materials, and a month-long media campaign to raise awareness and
promote promising prevention strategies.
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A statewide network of parent, grandparent, and kinship-care groups facilitated
by trained volunteer parent leaders.
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As a leading service provider and voice for children and families, KCSL is a member
of numerous community and statewide coalitions.
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Free child and family-related information and materials available to organizations,
professionals, and parents statewide.
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KCSL's eLearning program offers two online professional development courses called Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome and Strengthening Families through Positive Connections made available through a partnership with KCCTO. These courses are for a variety of professionals including child care providers, social workers, home visitors, foster and adoptive parents, nurses, educators and Head Start employees who desire to increase their effectiveness in serving families and children. Both are KDHE approved.
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A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention project which involves coordination of a coalition of 50 agencies across the state
who collaborate to create safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences.
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The state’s most comprehensive conference on the issue of child maltreatment. KCSL
serves as the lead agency, working with a statewide network of agencies and businesses
to plan and sponsor the event.
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Intensive, in-home parenting support for parents of 0 to 3 year olds overburdened by such risk
factors as unemployment, lack of parenting skills and family history of abuse and neglect.
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Assisting parents and others raising children through development of leadership
skills and empowerment through facilitation of support groups, involvement on advisory
councils, conference presentations, community cafes, and advocacy activities. For
more information contact Vicky Roper at 877-530-5275 ext. 1335.
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KCSL is responsible for coordination of the statewide implementation of this evidenced-based
abusive head trauma prevention program in communities across the state. The National Center for Shaken Baby Syndrome offers this
program.
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