Research literature strongly suggests that primary prevention, made before problems develop, is by far the least expensive and most effective means of solving a wide range of social problems including child abuse and neglect. Primary prevention is pro-active. Providing help to parents before abusive or neglectful behavior begins is more effective than trying to correct abusive or neglectful habits once they develop. Primary prevention builds on the strengths of participants while focusing on developing their personal and social competencies. Primary prevention strengthens families and can help to prevent other social problems as well as prevent child abuse.
Primary prevention is designed for everyone and is offered voluntarily.
Primary prevention offers a variety of services for participants and encourages sharing between participants and providers of service. Primary prevention helps children protect themselves by providing them with information and skills that increase self-esteem, daily life skills and the ability to protect themselves from abuse and neglect. Primary prevention saves money. By investing in prevention, we are investing in the future.