Buffalo, NY – April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Child and Family Services (C+FS) encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Western New York a better place for children and families.
For 150 years, C+FS has been strengthening families and promoting the well-being of children through prevention, intervention, education, and advocacy. Abuse can be physical, but it can also be neglect or issues with housing, school, or medical services. In 2022, 61 children lived on-site as part of C+FS Residential Treatment Program and C+FS Foster Care and Adoption Program provided care to 121 children. Haven House, which provides services to survivors of domestic violence, provided 92 children shelter.
Interviews with C+FS team members for stories in need of an expert on child abuse prevention are available throughout April.
Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained injuries, when a child shrinks at the approach of adults, or abuses animals or pets. Signs of emotional abuse may include extremes in their behavior such as acting overly aggressive or being too passive. Signs of neglect are also important and may include a child missing school, stealing food, or in need of medical or dental care. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you can call the state hotline at (800) 342-3720 to report it.
For more information on services provided by Child and Family Services, please visit www.cfsbny.org. Follow Child and Family Services social media pages on Facebook and Twitter (@CFSBNY).
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