Three Ways to Safeguard Children During Child Abuse Prevention Month

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, the city of Alexandria is offering free child abuse prevention activities sponsored by the Center for Alexandria’s Children, the Department of Community and Human Services, the Alexandria Police Department and the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office.

City staff will provide families with SafeAssured child ID kits on three Saturdays: April 6 at Cora Kelley Recreation Center, April 13 at William Ramsay Recreation Center and April 27 at Charles Houston Recreation Center, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  SafeAssured kits provide families with information needed by law enforcement and media to broadcast information unique to a missing child.

The Center for Alexandria’s Children will offer free training in Stewards of Children, a program that teaches parents and caregivers to prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse. Trainings are scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. April 19 and 30 at 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200. On-site childcare and pizza for the kids provided. Register here.

The popular playgroup program for children ages 0-5 will be expanded to a playgroup a day during April. Playgroups focus on learning through play and the key role parents play in their child’s development. Visit http://centerforalexandriaschildren.org/ for a list of playgroups.

Last year, 49,619 children in Virginia were reported as possible victims of abuse and/or neglect.  Of them, 6,116 cases were founded. Thirty Virginia children died from abuse, and 26 were under age 4.

“National tragedies such as Sandy Hook and the Penn State scandal remind us of our children’s vulnerability,” said Center for Alexandria’s Children Executive Director Giselle Pelaez in a statement.  “We can stop child abuse and neglect by educating our community in ways to keep our children safe, teaching children important safety tips and helping parents and caregivers create conversations with their children.”

For more information, contact Jennifer Cann, DCHS Child Protective Services program manager, at Jennifer.cann@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-5767, or Kim Turpin-Davis, board chair of communications for the Center for Alexandria's Children, at kturpindavis@aol.com or 703-549-3741.