ﾑThe Power of One'
It is a common misconception that child abuse is something that happens in other places and to other children. Unfortunately, West Virginia is not immune to cases of child abuse and neglect. Every hour, a child in West Virginia is abused or neglected. Child abuse prevention is an acknowledged community responsibility-this month and each thereafter, CASA of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit shall commit to The Power of One. This statewide initiative asserts that the power of one person, one community, one dollar, one action during April will help to protect children from abuse and neglect throughout the state. The initiative encourages every citizen to take responsibility for providing the support and assistance that all parents need. It is a compelling strategy for the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect.

CASA is not alone in the mission to reduce child abuse-as the old adage goes, it takes a village to raise a child. The Power of One initiative accomplishes primary prevention by raising awareness of the solutions to the problem of child abuse and by mobilizing citizens to engage in those solutions. There are countless options to strengthening the mission of making child abuse prevention a reality. Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity for you to be a positive force on behalf of the children and families in your community. No one person can do everything, but everyone can do something. And together, we can do anything! "The Power of One" reminds us that we all have a positive role to play in supporting our community's young people and their families. This is a great time to take a moment to think about the people who helped you when you were a child. What would it have been like without their support, their encouragement and guidance? There are several ways to support Child Abuse Prevention Month and help ensure that every child has the tools that they need to thrive:

Reach out - Anything you do to support parents and children can reduce the stress that often leads to child abuse and neglect.

children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your community.

ﾷDonate your used clothing, furniture, and toys for use by another family. This can relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents may take out on their children.
ﾷBecome a volunteer and/or advocacy group or organization in your community.

ﾷMake a financial charitable contribution to a cause which will support families and children. (Each $1 donation can make a difference.)

Raise the issue - By educating yourself-and others-you can help your community prevent child abuse from happening in the first place.

If you have reason to believe a child has been or may be harmed, call 1-800-96-ABUSE or 304-647-7476. For more information on CASA please contact 304-645-5437 or go to casaadvocates.org. We all need to do our part-now it is your turn.