Stop the Hurt. Start the Healing.

Child Advocacy Network Provides Collaborative Intervention Services to Child Abuse Victims

CAN Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

Friends, partners, supporters and staff gathered at the CAN offices last month for a ceremonial pinwheel planting during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Thousands of Oklahoma children suffer abuse and neglect each year with Oklahoma consistently ranking in the top 10 states for child abuse cases. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services, during the calendar year 2023, there were 14,273 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect across the state including 2,666 cases in Tulsa County of which 1,629 were reviewed by CAN. For these cases, the multi-disciplinary team at CAN was able to provide trauma-informed wrap-around services, and care for children following a traumatic event to provide hope and healing.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse is Mandatory

As summer nears, many children may have less access to caring adults who are trained to notice and report any suspicions of child abuse (like teachers, coaches and other administrators). Thus, here is a brief list of possible signs that could signal that abuse or neglect is happening:

1. unexplained injuries
2. changes in behavior
3. reverting to earlier adolescent behaviors
4. fear of going home
5. changes in eating
6. changes in sleeping
7. changes in school performance and attendance
8. lack of personal care or hygiene
9. risk-taking behavior
10. inappropriate sexual behaviors

Oklahoma state law requires EVERY PERSON to report suspicion of abuse to the Department of Human Services. If you suspect child abuse call: Oklahoma Hotline – 800-522-3511 or National Hotline – 800-4ACHILD (800-422-4453)

Keeping Your Child Safe at Summer Camp

Summer camp for kids can be some of the most enjoyable and memorable times of their childhood. But before you send them off to make memories, screen the camp to ensure they're prepared to keep your child as safe as possible.

As a parent or guardian it's important to know what policies and procedures a camp has in place to minimize the risk of sexual abuse. Here's a list of recommended questions, from Dr. Jackie Humans, to ask in screening a summer camp for safety:

1. Are criminal background checks performed?
2. How are potential employee references checked?
3. What sexual abuse training is provided?
4. How are campers made aware of what to do if they feel unsafe?
5. When are staffers allowed to be alone with campers? The answer should be never!
6. How does the camp monitor behavior between older campers and their younger peers?
7. Are at least two adults assigned to sleep in each cabin?
8. Who is responsible for enforcing the rules and regulations?

CANnect on June 26

If you are interested in learning more about the Child Advocacy Network's mission, join them for the next CANnect event beginning at noon on Wednesday, June 26. This engaging session will delve into the heart of their mission for children. As a token of their appreciation, lunch will be provided. Come be a part of CANnect and discover how together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of children.