April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and officials with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) want to encourage communities to help keep children safe from abuse and neglect.
“Never have parents needed support more than they do now due to COVID-19,” said Sasha Rasco, DFPS Associate Commissioner for Prevention and Early Intervention. “While several articles are specific to the pandemic, all the information on the website can help reduce the stress that parents are experiencing – now and in future years as well.”
During April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is joining with local governments, community groups, service organizations and other partners to put the spotlight on preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse.
Parents can find a wealth of helpful information on our GetParentingTips.com website filled with free tips and expert advice to help parents navigate the many challenges of child rearing – from pregnancy through the teen years.
Officials add that GetParentingTips.com is not about getting kids to eat their vegetables. It focuses on information, coping tips, and strategies that help parents navigate both common and difficult situations. It tries to answer the question, “I’ve tried that, now what?
For parents who need more than information, the website also directs them to local programs that can support them.
“We can all get involved to make children safe, whether it’s a teacher or a neighbor that reports suspected abuse or a church or charitable organization that helps parents and families,” DFPS officials added.
FY 2020 Key Statistics – Texas & Region 10 (El Paso area)
· 7,515,129 Children in Texas (247,300 in the El Paso area)
- 154,593 Completed CPS investigations (4,168 in the El Paso area)
- 68,461 Confirmed victims of child abuse/neglect (1,825 in the El Paso area)
- 39,473 Youth served by DFPS prevention programs (1,793 in in the El Paso area)
All statistics are by Texas fiscal year 2020 (Sept. 1, 2019-Aug. 31, 2020)
Report Abuse or Neglect
Do you know the signs of abuse and neglect? If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400 or report online at TxAbuseHotline.org.
