The Kids on
the Block, a program of the Child Abuse Council, visited DACCO on April 13 and provided moms attending onsite parenting classes the opportunity to better understand the differences between abuse and discipline. This face-to-face interactive show uses child-sized puppets who, by telling age-appropriate stories, let those who experience abuse know that it is never their fault and to use the NO, GO and TELL safety message.
Providing education through the use of friendly voices and amusing antics helped the ladies learn how to recognize child abuse and how they can increase their awareness of potential patterns and threats that may put their children at risk. While this program is typically presented to 3rd grade students throughout Hillsborough County, many of the women in treatment have often experienced abuse during their childhood and now as moms found the program to be extremely powerful in their own recovery and growth.
A client attending the show said It made me think a lot of my past with my parents and how I need to be careful with my own kids and not repeat what my parents did to me. I also learned that listening to your kids is a very healthy way to have communication and that through listening they will feel safe to tell you anything. This show helped me to know the difference between neglect and abuse and how I need to be very careful with who I let my kids stay with.
We appreciate our partnership with the Child Abuse Council who provides onsite child care and developmental services to infants and children of women in treatment through funding made possible by the Childrens Board of Hillsborough County.