June is National Internet Safety month, and the focus is on children and families. In 2024 it is hard to find any part of life that is not touched by the internet. The internet provides incredible opportunity for good but is also opens the door for bad. Having open conversations about safety when it comes to the digital world is just as important as talking about safety in the physical world.

Forensic medical exams. It sounds like a scary topic to discuss; however, it is a crucial step in healing for victims of sexual abuse.

As April, Child Abuse Awareness Month, comes to a close, we challenge you to be sure that you know how to recognize and prevent child abuse. Although our awareness month is ending, the effort to prevent child abuse is ongoing, and it requires a commitment from all members of our community to help keep children safe.

As most people know, the month of February is often attributed to being the month of love. Rather than discussing relationships with others this month, I think a healthy shift of perspective is to focus on self-love and self-care. These words are not just buzzwords or abstract concepts but essential pillars of mental and emotional well-being

Using a facility dog in child advocacy center is a powerful and innovative approach to providing support and comfort to children who have experienced trauma. These specially trained companions bring a unique set of benefits that significantly contribute to the well-being and healing of young victims.

All is merry and bright and everyone is feeling quite alright…or are they? When you think about holiday gatherings, you probably imagine scenes of friends and loved ones greeting each other with some sort of physical affection. You may reminisce fondly sitting on a grandparent’s lap while presents are being passed around or of grandma stroking your hair as she talks about “how much you’ve grown”. For some people, they feel loved and cared for through physical affection, but others may struggle with feeling anxious at the thought of physical affection or may feel that their personal space is violated.

Gratitude is about more than taking a second to say “Thanks.” Gratitude shows true appreciation. This Thanksgiving, we want to say thank you to the community that supports our mission.

It’s almost time to trick-or-treat! While lots of children are excited for Halloween some feel nervous about running through dark streets, ringing doorbells, and asking strangers for candy. Halloween can be the spookiest time of the year but reviewing safety tips with your child will take some of the scares and risks out of the holiday.

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month – a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted. It is also a time to raise awareness about suicide prevention and share messages of hope.

Our childhood is often referred to as the time in which our physical bodies and mental abilities are developing. When I think of the word “childhood,” many things come to mind. Memories of my own bring about feelings of happiness, and I’m reminded of a time that was carefree and innocent.

Trauma behaviors are unpredictable at times, and each kid is entirely different from another. They can be easily triggered. They can have an inability to focus. They can have physical body aches or illnesses. They can have anxiety. They can have depression. They can have angry outbursts. You name it, and trauma can produce it in an individual.

During the month of April, we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month to spread awareness of childhood abuse and neglect. We all can play a role in our community to help our families and children be safe.

How do you feel about working on a team? Do you work well with others, or do you prefer to work independently? At the Child Advocacy Center, teamwork is vital to our success in serving children and their families well. A quote from Helen Keller lends insight to the value of teamwork within the child advocacy center model, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” 

This year we are asking the community to join us and be the cause for change in the life of a child. Child abuse has no boundaries. It doesn’t single out a certain gender, race or demographic. It is not a story a child or family should carry alone. Child abuse is a community’s shared story. 

What comes to mind when you think about the month of November?

Grief is a normal feeling and something most people can relate too. Though grief is normal, it can also overcome us and overshadow the positive experiences we encounter. This is why it is important for us to take control of it before it controls us. 

If you or someone you know struggles with thoughts of suicide, it’s time to pick up the phone!Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline TODAY! Confidential help is available 24/7.

Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, YouTube, FortNite, Minecraft, BeReal…feeling a little dizzy yet? With an ever-increasing amount of social media platforms and ways to connect online, parents are bound to feel a little dizzy trying to keep up with it all.

P.A.C.K. UP! 

Back to school is quickly approaching and with everyone scrambling to get school supplies, new clothes, and the latest shoes; before we know it it’ll be back to drop offs, hasty trips to bus lanes, and the infamous first week of school PAPERWORK! 

Summer is upon us! The kids are out of school, and the temperatures are warming up. This heat can overwhelm us, but we find relief in sweet summer treats and water-play with our family and friends. The extra time with kids out of school presents great opportunities to have conversations around body safety and good body boundaries. Click to read more!

View all the details in the 2020-2021 Impact Report

Play therapy is a wonderful evidence based therapeutic modality that is effective when working with children, particularly children dealing with trauma.

Part 1 of our education videos for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Ashton and Katie talk about Online Enticement and tips for parents.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and local businesses in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore are giving back!

CHILTON
April 1st at 11am - KICK-OFF Event
April 5 & 19th Neighborhood Grill & Catering - Clanton
April 15th - HopesChest Booutique-Gifts
April 22nd - LaLa's Cakes and Events LLC
April 28th - The Bearded Peach, LLC
Deidra Gadberry - State Farm Agent - All month: $10 given back for every insurance quote

AUTAUGA
April 4th - CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH KICK-OFF
April 5 & 19th Neighborhood Grill & Catering - Millbrook
April 8th - Candy Corner Prattville
April 14th - Prattville Axe April 14th
Adrienne's Downtown Bar - Blue Drinks All Month Long!
Fountain City Nutrition - Blue Pinwheel Drink All Month Long!

ELMORE
April 1st - CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH KICK-OFF
April 5 & 19th Neighborhood Grill & Catering - Millbrook
April 6th - Coaches Corner Bar and Grill
April 27th - Coosa River Craft House
Belle & Beau Salon Suites and Studios All Month

GivingTuesday is an opportunity for people around the world to come together to thank, help, give, show kindness, and share what they have with those in need.