In 1850, a Catholic orphanage called St. Aemilian was founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to take in children whose parents had died in a cholera epidemic. 168 Years later, that same organization — now known as “SaintA” —  is still finding shelter for thousands of children who need it, often kids who have deep trauma in their young lives, and helps those kids with a revolutionary approach that’s spreading across the country. No longer a residential orphanage, SaintA primarily places orphaned, abandoned, neglected and abused children in foster homes, and then coordinates their care. On any given day, it’s looking after some 2,000 children, almost all of whom are part of a 21st century epidemic of childhood trauma. Milwaukee resident Alisha Fox was given that PTSD diagnosis seven years ago, months after she somehow found the courage to tell her grandmother – and then the police – of the terrible trauma she had been enduring. Continue reading the interview between Oprah Winfrey and Alisha Fox, a courageous abuse survivor.

How a child experiences an event and how it’s handled by those around him have an effect on how traumatizing it can be, notes Child Mind Institute psychologist Dr. Jerry Bubrick. When families come upon news accidentally, parents can be caught off guard and respond in a highly emotional way that can impact children. Television coverage and shocking newspaper headlines can also amplify the impact of a disturbing event or loss. So even as you try to soothe and comfort children, it is important to recognize the signs of unhealthy coping that would suggest a visit with a professional might be needed. In extreme cases, children can develop post-traumatic stress disorder, but even less extreme PTSD-like symptoms can interfere with a child’s life and happiness. Here are some signs to look for and things to keep in mind: https://childmind.org/article/signs-trauma-children/

If you find out or suspect that your child has been sexually abused by a family member, it can take a toll on you as a parent. It’s important to find a way to manage your feelings, so you can focus on creating a safe environment for your child that is free from harm, judgment, and blame. It is imperative that when your child discloses to you, you continue to repeat the following messages through both your words and your actions: I love you; What happened is not your fault; I will do everything I can to keep you safe. It is important to keep in mind that there is no one “right” reaction, and that all reactions and responses are normal. Having both you and your child talk to a professional about these thoughts and feelings can help sort through these issues. Professional support can also result in healthier long- and short-term results for both you and your child. Learn more: https://www.rainn.org/articles/help-parents-children-who-have-been-sexually-abused-family-members

There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioural, and emotional issues. A social worker can work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practices. A social worker helps people cope with challenges in every stage of their lives. They help with a wide range of situations, such as adopting a child or being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Social workers work with many populations, including children, people with disabilities, and people with addictions. A social worker acts as a client advocate, educator, coordinator of care, and an adviser. He or she will work as a liaison with the family, and will look at helping with finances, admissions, discharges, housing, follow-up appointments to outside services, and is sometimes the link to the courts and any legal procedures. Learn more about this career: https://www.sokanu.com/careers/social-worker.amp

According to Psychology Today, Pedophilia is considered a paraphilia, a condition in which a person’s sexual arousal and gratification depend on fantasizing about and engaging in sexual behavior that is atypical and extreme. Pedophilia is defined as the fantasy or act of sexual activity with children who are generally age 13 years or younger. Pedophiles are usually men and can be attracted to either or both sexes. How well they relate to adults of the opposite sex varies. An estimated 20 percent of American children have been sexually molested, making pedophilia a common paraphilia. Offenders are usually family friends or relatives. Types of activities vary and may include just looking at a child or undressing and touching a child. However, acts often do involve oral sex or touching of genitals of the child or offender. Studies suggest that children who feel uncared for or lonely may be at higher risk for sexual abuse. Learn more: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/pedophilia

Maxine Harley divulges insights on how to take care of ourselves mentally by taking care of our inner child. Rescuing and re-parenting the inner child will allow you to ‘fill in the gaps’ and enable you to live a more positive and rewarding life—with fun, laughter, spontaneity, authenticity, and most importantly, with love. Such as reminding yourself how special and wonderful you were as a child, or speaking kindly to your inner child each day, Remember that your inner child is a real part of your sub-conscious mind – a wounded child who needs your love, care and compassion…because no-one else can heal his/her pain and help him/her to make peace with the past. Read her insights here: https://lifelabs.psychologies.co.uk/users/3881-maxine-harley/posts/17933-how-to-heal-and-re-parent-your-inner-child

In their book The Neglected Child, authors Ginger Welch, Laura Wilhelm, and Heather Johnson describe what they define as the six types of neglect: Physical Neglect or Deprivation of Needs Neglect Medical Neglect Supervisory Neglect Environmental Neglect Educational Neglect Emotional Neglect Neglect impacts the overall development and health of children, so it’s important that you do everything you can to recognize, respond, and prevent neglect. The authors of The Neglected Child recommend that educators memorize this statement: “If it SEEMED like neglect, report it.” Each letter in SEEMED stands for one type of neglect and will help you remember what to look for as you work with the children in your care. Learn more: https://www.kaplanco.com/ii/six-types-of-neglect

Children’s Advocacy Network staff and supporters came together Monday to pray for victims of childhood sexual abuse. The agency organizes an annual prayer service for awareness every April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. “My prayer today is not just for the children, it’s for those who come alongside,” Nathan Martin told people gathered around the flagpole by the Red River in Pineville. Martin, pastor of Christian Challenge Worship Center and Pineville City Council member, prayed aloud for people who will help defend children and help bring healing in their lives.  He prayed for victims to experience restoration and for an end to abuse so that the important work of advocates is no longer needed. In eight Central Louisiana parishes alone, Children’s Advocacy Network serves more than 1,000 victims of abuse annually, said Executive Director Wade Bond at the prayer service. Read more: https://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/local/2018/04/02/what-community-doing-awareness-during-child-abuse-prevention-month/478202002/

As National Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to a close, HPF would like to thank our readers and contributors, but most importantly our survivors who were so brave in sharing their stories in order to help others. We would also like to remind everyone that every day is Child Abuse Prevention Day and we must do our part to reach out and help those in need. Yesterday in Florence SC superheroes disguised as runners came to the rescue and raised awareness for child abuse prevention as part of the sixth-annual CAPES for Kids 5K/10K/Kids Fun Run to benefit CARE House of the Pee Dee region in Florence. This event started six years ago, when Tylashia Grant, 3, a student at Carver Elementary School, died as a result of physical abuse and neglect. Her teacher, Meagan Johnson, started the event to raise awareness and honor her student’s memory. All funds from entry fees and sponsors go to help the CARE House, a child advocacy center (CAC) in Florence. It is a local nonprofit that serves abused children of the Pee Dee region through forensic interviews, therapy, advocacy and medical services. Read more: http://www.scnow.com/news/local/article_e9b55752-2d41-11e7-8b9e-4b1842dea985.html Photo by John D. Russell/Special To The Morning News 30/30