At the federal level, the President and Congress have worked to increase funding to the states for child protection programs. The recently enacted Child Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Act, for example, gives State and local officials greater flexibility in using Department of Justice grant programs to prevent abuse and neglect. Along with programs like the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, the Adoption and Safe Families Act and the Safe and Stable Families Program, this federal support can make a difference in children's lives B if we all do our parts to protect the children in our own communities. Keeping children safe is a community responsibility, and prevention must be a community task. By working together, we can implement the practical measures and programs that reduce the dangers facing children.
Parents can ask for help in overcoming addictions or controlling violent behavior.
Teachers and physicians can become more skilled at recognizing the symptoms of child abuse. We now know, for example, that there are a variety of risk factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect. Danger signs include parental substance abuse, lack of parenting skills and knowledge, domestic violence and extreme stress. Preventing child abuse is our responsibility. In many ways, this annual conference is a testament to the persistence and dedication of a determined woman named Gloria Goldfaden.