When we hear on the news about an attack on a child or the death of a child, it shakes us to our core. It is nothing short of tragic when the most vulnerable in society have their lives cut short by preventable acts. What many don’t realize, however, is that thousands of these cases occur, though they don’t make the news because the child lives or the problems go undetected. One non-profit agency, Family Compass, aims to end child abuse and neglect by providing parents with education and resources that will help them become better parents. As May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Depression Awareness Month, we’re highlighting some of the work Family Compass does for our community.
The Risk Factors for Child Abuse and Neglect Can Help Predict At-Risk Kids
Data from the CDC indicates that there are several risk factors associated with cases of child abuse and neglect.
A lack of parental understanding in terms of child development, the needs of children, and parenting skills
Parents coming from homes where maltreatment occurred
Mental health issues, such as depression, and substance abuse in the family
Parents who are young, single, have a low education, and those with many dependent children
Caregivers in the home who are not related to the children
Social isolation
Parents coping with excessive stress
Violence in the home or community
Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood
By offering support services that can eliminate risk factors, Family Compass is effectively eliminating child abuse and neglect.
Family Compass Offers Classes and Home Mentoring Programs
Perhaps one of the things that makes Family Compass so unique is that the organization actually provides free one-on-one attention to parents most in need. With their Growing As Parents program, parents learn about child development and how to build positive relationships with their children. Parents can tap into the resource for as many as five years. Family Compass’ Parent Aide program also offers in-home support, but it’s geared toward helping parents learn positive parenting and discipline techniques, while providing access to resources that can help them overcome additional risk factors, such as emotional/mental health care and financial independence. In addition, several educational programs are available, all with a core focus on evidence-based teachings that can help create happier, healthier families. Since the organization’s inception, Family Compass has helped 44,000 parents and children, including more than 1,700 in the past year alone.
Learn More About Family Compass
You can learn more about the agency by visiting family-compass.org. You can also help spread the word about their work via Facebook and Twitter or make a donation via their website.
About RefillWise Partners
We’re proud to be able to serve our community. Our program helps families like the employees and clients of Family Compass to save up to 80% on needed prescription medicine and equipment from pharmacies, improving mental health and caring for family members while earning cash rewards for groceries and other necessities. Individuals may sign up for our free prescription discount cards on their own, though agencies like Family Compass help distribute them to the people who need them and might not hear about us otherwise. See our full list of partners on Twitter. If you have employees, clients, or volunteers who could benefit from our program, please send us a message and we’ll be happy to help.
Back to blog home