Caring community partners offer support

New Hope, Blount County Children's Advocacy Center

Editor's Note: This is the final article of six provided by New Hope, Blount County Children's Advocacy Center focusing on Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

Many factors may affect a parent's ability to care for his/her children. Families who can meet their own basic needs for food, clothing, housing and transportation -- and who know how to access essential services such as childcare, health care, and mental health services -- are better able to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. When the unforeseen occurs, parents need the community to assist with planning, resources and support as they work through their difficulties. Reducing the stress parents feel in difficult circumstances, giving them more energy to nurture and support their children can both be accomplished when caring community partners get involved.

Concrete supports

There are several ways to encourage concrete supports for parents. They include:

n Provide information on how to access housing, health care or employment assistance -- be that available person/resource for parents who need help.

n Advocate with elected officials about issues in our community and the services and programs that support healthy and safe children and families.

n Encourage support providers to work together, collaborating to leverage funding and share resources to address specific needs.

For more information

More information may be obtained from:

New Hope, Blount County Children's Advocacy Center www.blountkids.org

Center for Strong Communities www.maryvillecollege.edu

United Way of Blount County www.unitedwayblount.org

US Department of Health and Human Services www.acf.hhs.gov

New Hope Blount County Children's Advocacy Center, a child-friendly, safe place for child victims of sexual and physical abuse, is located at 212 Cates St., Maryville. For information, call 981-2000 or visit www.blountkids.org