Quarterly free community training on recognizing signs of child abuse and neglect

“If you see something, say something,” is a message that has been iterated and reiterated by child abuse prevention service providers over many years. With fewer eyes on children than ever before, it is important that the community take heed and report suspected child abuse and neglect as it occurs.

It takes a village to raise a child. Truer words were never spoken. Given what many have called “these strange times we are in,” we know that the safety, nurturing and growing of healthy children is as important now as ever.

So, what is child abuse? According to the Welfare and Institution Code 18951, child abuse is:

• Serious injury inflicted upon a child by other than accidental means

• Harm by reason of intentional neglect, malnutrition or sexual abuse

• Going without necessary basic physical care

• Willful injury, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child under 18

• Any condition that results in the violation of rights of physical, mental or moral welfare of a child.

With the understanding that the concern about the well-being of our young people is ever-present, the Kern County Network for Children and Kern County Department of Human Services are partnering to provide free community-based virtual trainings on Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect.

Provided quarterly in 2021, the Kern County Network for Children will host the Zoom-based training by the Kern County Department of Human Services training team. These sessions offer an opportunity for our community to be proactive and feel confident should a reportable instance arise.

Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect is designed for residents of Kern County; those serving in education, health care, faith-based communities, business and others serving children and families. These community-based sessions will offer an opportunity to learn what is and what is not considered child abuse and/or neglect as well as how to appropriately report suspected child abuse to Child Protective Services. Sessions will also go over signs of abuse and neglect to recognize in virtual settings.

Attendees will have an opportunity during the session to ask trainers questions. However, situational questions may be deferred and the asking party provided with an appropriate agency contact in order to keep personal information confidential.

Please join Kern County’s Child Abuse Prevention service providers and help to continue working toward keeping child safety and well-being a top priority. The first session of 2021 will be held on January 8 at 11 a.m.

Training: Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

Date: January 8

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For Zoom Information, call Alexis Shaw at (661) 636-4993

Training Cost: Free