Putting a Focus on the Safety, Health and Well-Being of Native Youth during National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a month to focus on preventing and identifying the ongoing issues of safety, health and well-being for children nationwide.

Child abuse and neglect are highly prevalent within tribal communities. American Indian and Alaska Native children have the highest rate of victimization Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  at 15.2 per 1,000 children in a population of the same race or ethnicity. In the United States, at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov . Due to unreported cases, these statistics are likely underestimated. Child maltreatment includes physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse and neglect Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  of a child under the age of 18 by a parent, caregiver or person in a custodial role, such as a religious leader, a coach, or a teacher, that results in harm, the potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child.

Abused, neglected and maltreated children may suffer not only acute physical injuries, but ongoing long-term abuse can also have chronic, lasting effects such as emotional and psychological health sequela, a condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury. Collaborative efforts to highlight awareness of child abuse and neglect bring reduction strategies supporting healthy growth and development for children and their families. Protective factors Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  such as strengthening economic support for families; changing social norms to supporting parents and positive parenting; providing quality care and education early in life; enhancing parenting skills to promote healthy child development; and intervening to lessen harm and prevent future risk – all support and create positive well-being and reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment.

April 7, 2023, is National Go Blue Day, a day of recognition during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Wear your favorite blue colors to show your support and commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect.

Related content and helpful resources to raise awareness:

• Hotline for Reporting Child/Sexual Abuse within IHS: Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  855-SAFE-IHS (855-723-3447)
• Indian Health Manual, Part 3, Chapter 36: Child Maltreatment
• IHS Child Maltreatment – related information
• Children’s Bureau: The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov) Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month - Child Welfare Information Gateway Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
• National Indian Child Welfare Association - NICWA Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov