Prevent Child Abuse By Helping Children's Charities

Every year, Child Protective Services (CPS) receives about three million reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. On average, nearly three children die from child abuse and neglect every day; totaling almost 1,100 cases per year. Even worse, more than half of all fatalities resulting from child abuse are within families who are never even reported to CPS. With many CPS agencies understaffed and overworked, children's charities provide a necessary lifeline to support families and prevent child abuse.

Charities such as Prevent Child Abuse America organize a variety of programs and prevention initiatives that help to inform local communities of the problem and provide guidance on how to prevent abuse. Increasing awareness that prevention is possible can really help those children who are at risk. The aim of these charities is to coordinate a family of friends, parents, professionals, supporters, and benefactors to prevent child abuse and neglect before it starts.

Thankfully, very few parents deliberately set out to neglect their children. However, factors such as breakdown of personal relationships, unemployment, poor living conditions, stress, and spiralling debts can all lead to child abuse. Anything that reduces the pressures on stressed-out parents will improve the family environment. Volunteering to baby sit, run errands, or go shopping for a family can provide much-needed support. Even just listening to a parent's or child's troubles can make a real difference.

Some charities specialize in providing toys and other items for underprivileged children. For example:

Toys For Tots raises funds to provide toys for deprived and neglected children, particularly at Christmas. This charity aims to provide "a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders."

The Make-A-Wish Foundation aims to enrich the lives of children who have life-threatening medical conditions. More than 25,000 volunteers attempt to grant wishes, raise funds and organize all kinds of special events. Children's wishes include meeting celebrities, visiting unusual locations, and doing extraordinary things.

When discussing child abuse and neglect, older children often get overlooked. Older children may be able to fend for themselves in some ways, but they still need support in the transition to adulthood. A vital part of this transition is planning for a career, either vocational or professional. Without outside guidance and financial help, these children often have a difficult time becoming productive members of society. Fortunately, many charities offer scholarship programs aimed at helping underprivileged children achieve their educational and career goals.