R 232132Z FEB 16
MARADMIN 098/16
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF//
SUBJ/NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH//
POC/L. REED/CIV/UNIT: MFC/-/TEL: 703-432-9087//
GENTEXT REMARKS/1.  For 32 years, April has been declared as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  As a result, child abuse and neglect awareness activities are promoted across the country during that month.  The theme for 2016 is “Protect Our Children: Supervised, Safe, and Sound.”  No one is perfect but all parents and caregivers can take simple steps to keep children safe.  Balance daily activities to reduce distractions and prevent accidents or injuries.  Seconds make a difference.
2.  Supervision can be the difference between a safe situation and a dangerous one.  Careful supervision can help prevent a child from being harmed.  Find the community supervision guidelines at your location by calling your local Military and Family Support Center or Family Advocacy Program (FAP).
3.  Childproofing and providing your child with a safe environment is more than outlet covers and cabinet latches.  Learn how to make your child’s environment both child-friendly and safe.
4.  Parenting can be a challenge and you are juggling a lot.
Help is available to everyone through FAP, New Parent Support Program, Community Counseling Program, Department of Defense Child Safety Hotline at 877-790-1197, Marine Corps DSTRESS Line at 877-476-7734, and Military One Source (www.militaryonesource.com, 1-800-342-9647).
5.  Leaders are instrumental in making it clear, by word and deed, that child abuse and neglect will not be tolerated in the Marine Corps, can be prevented, and helping resources are available.  Child abuse prevention is not exclusive to the month of April.  If you suspect a child is at risk or has been abused or neglected, report your suspicions immediately to FAP, local Child Protective Services, or your local law enforcement when other services are not available.
6.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps total force and will expire one year from date published.
7.  Release authorized by MajGen B. W. Whitman, Director, Marine and Family Programs Division.//