In 1995 the number of child abuse and neglect cases for the state of Tennessee was 12,166. And the state had 11,470 children in state care. Nationally the number of abuse cases increased about 18 percent between 1990 and 1996, with the greatest increases in the early 1990s. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse. Many children suffer more than one type of maltreatment.
Child abuse is a community concern.
No one professional or single agency alone can protect children from harm and strengthen families. Prevention of child abuse demands that everyone work together to protect children and support the well-being of families. This year's theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month is community collaboration for child abuse prevention. Arrange for your local county Extension office or other agency to provide parent education classes. Provide parents some time away from their children by offering to take care of the children while parents run errands, go on a date or just take a nap.