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Vail Daily letter: Help prevent child abuse

Research shows that parents who have support from their families, friends and community have an increased chance of creating environments that are safe and healthy for children. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and I’d like to highlight our local efforts to increase those support systems for families, and share some additional resources with you.

As part of Gov. Hickenlooper’s child welfare plan “Keeping Kids Safe and Families Healthy,” Eagle County has been granted funding to expand prevention services that aim to keep families from entering the child protection system.

Wayfinder and Colorado Community Response are two programs in Eagle County that provide families voluntary guidance and connection to local service agencies. These connections are designed to build upon the strengths already within families, thus elevating their abilities to navigate future challenges.



You can also play an important role in the prevention of child maltreatment. Here are a few ideas:

• Get to know your neighbors.

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• Help a family under stress.

• Reach out to children in your community.

• Be an active community member.

• Learn how to recognize and report signs of child abuse and neglect.

If you suspect child abuse and neglect, please call our hotline at 970-328-7720. The hotline is staffed with a trained caseworker 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The hotline can also connect organizations with training resources on reporting.

Thanks for your contribution in making our community a safer place for kids and families!

Carly Cheatham

Colorado Community Response, Eagle County Department of Human Services


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