Gov. Ricketts: Everyone Has a Role in Preventing Child Abuse

Press Release

Today, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Governor Pete Ricketts reminded Nebraskans about the importance of parents and communities having the information and resources they need to care for children to prevent their maltreatment.

"Everyone has a role in preventing child abuse," Governor Ricketts said. "It's even more critical for communities to recognize ways to strengthen families at risk and prevent child abuse."

"Caring people and organizations in our communities are key in working with families who might be at risk of abuse or neglect," said Courtney Phillips, CEO of the Department of Health and Human Services. "We recognize the important role they play in strengthening families, and we understand the need to support them in their work as well."

In Nebraska, state law requires anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-652-1999, law enforcement, or a local DHHS office. Reporting and preventing child abuse and neglect is everyone's responsibility including employers, social services, schools, and even those who live next door.

A new website launched by the Nebraska Child Abuse Prevention Fund Board at BringUpNebraska.org provides information for groups in communities to help build and encourage the use of protective factors in families. The information will be helpful to parents, teachers, service providers, businesses, friends, and neighbors.

Phillips pointed to six protective factors that can help prevent child abuse and neglect:

Nurturing and attachment
Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
Parental resilience
Social connections
Concrete supports for parents
Social and emotional developmental well-being

"Everyone's participation is critical to keeping Nebraska kids safe," said Jennifer Skala, vice president of Community Impact at Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. "Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors in every interaction with children and families is the best thing our communities can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development."

"When communities construct frameworks to support these protective factors, families and their children experience healthier relationships and children are safer, which is our goal," Governor Ricketts said. "I urge Nebraskans to visit the Bring Up Nebraska website and find out how we all can support children and families and make a difference in their lives."

According to DHHS, the following can be warning signs of child abuse or neglect:

Lack of enough food or clothing or a safe place to live
Unexplained or repeated injuries like bruises, welts, or cuts
Not following a doctor's orders
Children left unattended under age six
Lack of supervision to keep a child safe

When the Hotline is called, the caller is not required to give his or her name, although it is helpful in case more information is needed later.

Numerous events are being held across the state in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. In Lincoln, the 2nd Annual Pinwheels for Prevention will be held in Lincoln in the Railyard on Saturday, April 25th, from 11:00am-2:00pm to promote positive parenting. Family activities, lunch and refreshments, entertainment and educational materials will be provided.

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