Courtesy Photo The City of Alpena on Monday proclaimed April Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pictured, from left, are Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson, Robin Benson of the Alpena Child Abuse and Neglect (CA/N) Prevention Team, and Staci Chroninger of the Exchange Club.

ALPENA — On Monday, the City of Alpena proclaimed April Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Alpena and Presque Isle Child Abuse and Neglect (CA/N) Prevention Team, along with Exchange Club of Alpena and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeast Michigan (CACNEMI), are spreading the message that everyone can help great childhoods happen in their community.

The CA/N Team, CACNEMI, and the Exchange Club will be displaying blue pinwheels and flags around Alpena and Presque Isle County. These are visuals to remind the community of what a crucial role every member of the community plays in helping to prevent child abuse. The pinwheel is a fun and whimsical representation of childhood, which reminds adults that it is our job to ensure each child has a fun and safe upbringing.

The Exchange Club of Alpena will have flags displayed throughout Alpena to remind the community of everyone’s role in child abuse and neglect prevention.

It is the responsibility of adults to ensure that every child has the equal opportunity to grow and reach their full potential. Research indicates that families that have certain “protective factors” will be less likely to abuse or neglect children. These factors are parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and social and emotional competence of children.

“We believe that we all play a role in the healthy development of children,” said Alpena CA/N Team President Tiffany Eddinger. “April is a time we like to remind our community of the important role that each of us plays in child abuse and neglect prevention. When you see a pinwheel or flag this month, think of what you can do to help in your neighborhood and community.”

The CACNEMI team is spreading pinwheels beyond Alpena and Presque Isle. They are spreading awareness in Montmorency and Alcona counties as well.

“Child abuse prevention is a national project for the National Exchange Club,” said Courtney Holmes, Exchange Club of Alpena vice president.

The CA/N Team, the Exchange Club of Alpena and CACNEMI are encouraging the public to learn more about how to support the protective factors for their own family and others.

Visit friendsnrc.org/prevention/protective-factors to learn about child abuse and neglect protective factors. The CACNEMI has trained individuals in programs about prevention of child sexual abuse that can make presentations to local organizations.

Some ideas people can do to help prevent child abuse are:

¯ Volunteer at an after-school program like the Boys and Girls Club or other programs, or just offering to help a parent.

¯ Attend family fun night sponsored by local organizations.

¯ Learn about abuse prevention curricula that are currently in place at local schools or churches and advocating to create one if there is not yet a program in place.

¯ Donate money to organizations that help families who are in need such as Alpena Baby Pantry, Children’s Closet, or The Friendship Room.

Some tips for parents and caregivers include:

¯ Spend quality time with your children.

¯ Be a good, respectful and kind example.

¯ Be a friend to another parent.

¯ Reach out to neighbors or relatives with children.

¯ Praise and encourage the children you know.

¯ Learn to recognize signs of abuse.

¯ Don’t stay in abusive relationships.

¯ Report suspected child abuse or neglect to 855-444-3911.