National Child Abuse Prevention Month

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Krystal Giraldo Contributor Miami Moms Blog

April was deemed National Child Abuse Prevention Month by The Children’s Bureau with efforts to help raise awareness of child abuse and neglect nationally. Unfortunately, the number of children being abused and/or neglected continues to go up. And there continues to be a desperate need of foster homes and placements. In Miami-Dade County, we have an entire courthouse dedicated to families and our children. Miami-Dade Children’s Courthouse, a new state-of-the-art courthouse opened in 2016 and is located at 155 NW 3rd Street Miami, FL 33128. There you will find a team of ten judges, two general magistrates, and very helpful support staff. All who solely devote their work and effort to help navigate the security, education and mental wellness of our children. 

#greatchildhoods Southern Region Krystal Giraldo Contributor Miami Moms Blog

Reporting Child Abuse or Neglect is EVERYONE’S Responsibility

Between the years of 2014- 2016, I had the bittersweet privilege of working alongside the Honorable Judge Alan Fine. I served as a program specialist in the dependency court unit for the 11th Judicial Circuit. I started this job having had no idea that such cruelty to any child existed. There were even some things that never made the news. But these were real cases and occurring in our very own neighborhoods. The day of the week or time of day didn’t matter. Neither does race, religion or social status. There is child abuse and neglect happening amongst our community every day and unfortunately, this continues to be taboo. 

I am happy to report that according to DCF’s website, we are all mandated reporters. Reporting child abuse is EVERYONE’S responsibility. It was once stated that only certain people with certain careers were the only ones who can call to make a report. But like many other situations happening in our country, “If you see something, say something.” I am sure everyone has seen or at least heard of the Netflix documentary The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez. If you haven’t, please do your research on the show and take note of their warnings and possible triggers.

Needless to say, it should never resort to the death of a child in the hands of their parents or loved ones. 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Krystal Giraldo Contributor Miami Moms Blog
Photo by Lina Trochez on Unsplash

Signs to Look Out For

It is important for us to remember that every child handles stress and trauma differently. Just because a child appears to show any or some of the following signs, does not necessarily mean that they are victims of child abuse and/or neglect. However, it is your responsibility as a parent and human being to use your better judgment and to report anything that you consider suspicious. Let the professionals be the ones to conduct their investigation accordingly and decide whether or not this should be taken to a court of law. 

Here are some signs to look out for:

  • Unusual fearfulness
  • Lack of hygiene or inappropriate dress (ex. wearing a hoodie and sweatpants during hot summer months)
  • Delayed emotional, intellectual, or language development
  • Frequent injuries
  • Feeding disorders
  • Self-inflicting pain
  • Sleep disorders or bedwetting (bedwetting is not usually a cause of concern to most pediatricians until at least the age of 7)
  • Lack of eye-coordination 
  • Poor socialization
  • Disruptive behavior in school
  • Unexplained scars or bruises
  • Malnutrition
  • Poor school attendance 

Again, it is important to use your better judgment. What you choose to do with the information not only affects the parents but also the children. Although this could be a positive thing, in the end, it is certain that this is still going to affect the child. This can sometimes be negative. Rest assured that trained staff is on hand and ready to receive all children with the proper attention and therapies.

A great resource to have handy can be found on the Florida Department of Children and Families website. Here you can find the child abuse hotline number, community partners’ contact information and email addresses along with other helpful links. 

There Is a Process… With One Goal

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Krystal Giraldo Contributor Miami Moms Blog
Some of your Miami-Dade County Circuit Court Judges and Staff during National Adoption Day 2015

It is important to note that our child protector investigators (you may have heard them called CPIs) are limited. There is a process and certain protocols after a report has been made. You may choose to remain anonymous when filing the initial child abuse report. Also, be aware, should the case get to the severe possibility of the parent and/or parents being at risk of losing their parental rights, you may be contacted again for further questions. 

Remember it is important to be patient and understanding. Try to document everything with dates and clear details. Then, should it get to this point, you are ready for any questions. Collectively, this is all for what is in the best interest of the child. Together, we can ensure the safety, health, and stability of a child. We could be saving a life. And that is the GOAL!

 

3 COMMENTS

    • Thank you so much, Becky. It was even harder hearing these heartbreaking stories and having a face to match them. But I am so proud of our circuit and the supporting staff. They really do have one of the hardest jobs and our Judges strive for fairness and justice EVERY day.

  1. Thanks for the important work that you do! I’m grateful to have learned about mandated reporting during my time working at DCF Child Care Licensing. And you’re right- it takes the entire community to be aware and report abuse and neglect timely and appropriately.

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