While it seems all worries this year are overshadowed for now by coronavirus, April remains National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

And there is a COVID-19-related concern — that the stay-at-home orders in place in many states and communities may trigger more abuse, as families are forced to be in close quarters that could exacerbate conflicts or make children more easily targets with fewer witnesses to see.

This month and throughout the year, the Iron-Dickinson Children Advocacy Council encourages all individuals and organizations play a role in making local communities a better place for children and families.

By ensuring parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, the council and community can help promote children’s social and emotional well-being and prevent child maltreatment.

Research shows that when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted.

Those protective factors are: Nurturing and attachment, knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development, parental resilience, social connections, concrete supports for parents, and social and emotional developmental well-being.

April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children. Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and families, is the best thing communities can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development.

For help and resources on parenting, contact the Iron-Dickinson CAN Council at 906-367-4866 or by email at irondickinsoncan@aol.com.