Supporting Children and their families
A Connected Child is a Protected Child
SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide! During National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, help the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) raise awareness by sharing resources that help others recognize the warning signs for suicide and learn how to get help.
On September 19, 2023 at 11am PST, please join NIMH for a Facebook Live event on youth suicide prevention. Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in the U.S. During the event, NIMH experts Drs. Lisa M. Horowitz and Stephen O’Connor will lead a discussion on talking to youth about suicide risk, how to identify the warning signs of suicide, risk factors for suicide, and NIMH-supported research on interventions for youth suicide prevention.
988 Life Line – https://988lifeline.org/
We can all help prevent suicide. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Click here to learn about how to keep babies safe while sleeping.
Perinatal Equity Initiative
Black women and birthing people face challenges that stem from policies and systems rooted in racism. They are twice as likely to live in poverty or to experience hardships, such as homelessness or the incarceration of a loved one, during pregnancy. In addition, chronic, transgenerational exposure to racism results in toxic stress that has been shown to have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of Black individuals, regardless of income or education levels.
It is time for all of us to work together to change this story. Find out what you can do to help by following @DeliverBirthJustice and visiting Deliverbirthjustice.org.
JOIN THE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TASK FORCE
Alameda County’s Department of Children and Family Services and the Child Abuse Prevention Council seeks to bring together community volunteers from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences towards the service of the children and families residing within Alameda County to join our Child Abuse Prevention Task Force. We are looking to continue to have a diversity of member perspectives that are intended to encourage constructive conversation while gathering ideas and recommendations to recognize the child abuse prevention service gaps that impact children, youth, and families living in our county.
Task Members would be involved in:
- County Self Assessments – identifying service gaps and provide recommendations for service improvement
- Contract Oversight – conduct annual site visits to contract agencies to ensure contract compliance
- Attend and participate in monthly Task Force meetings
- Work in a spirit of collaboration and partnership with child welfare and other stakeholders.
If you would like to learn more and request an application, please contact Alameda County Child Abuse Prevention Council at alamedacapc@acgov.org.
Mandated Reporter Training
Professionals working with children, including those who employ people under 18, are Mandated Reporters and required to report their suspicion of abuse or neglect. To learn more and schedule a training,
Raising children can be difficult. Oftentimes, parents and caregivers just need to talk. To someone. To offer support, tips, ideas, and services. Call today and find out all that is available to you and those you provide care for!
