Our partners for this project are the Baptist Ministers Conference of Chicago and Vicinity (BMCCV).Research findings have led many experts to conclude that an emphasis needs to be placed on prevention (MacLeod & Nelson, 2000). In fact, research indicates that child abuse prevention efforts are not only successful in reducing violence against children, but also in reducing children’s risk of experiencing—whether as a victim or perpetrator—other forms of violence later in life.
Other research has shown that efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect can be strengthened by engaging faith-based institutions because such a relationship provides a setting for an audience that may not be reachable through other partnerships (DJ Whitaker, Lutzker, & Shelley; 2005).
It is well known that child abuse cases are often associated with communities that experience high rates of poverty. In resource poor communities, church activities may be the most significant and consistent source of parental support. It provides families with a safe physical space, a social support network, and an ethical education (Jarrett, 1997). However, many in these settings are not professionally trained in child abuse issues and are unfamiliar with the assessment, identification, impact and referral of child abuse or neglect.
As a result, The Illinois Center for Violence Prevention developed a model that can implement prevention strategies delivered through the very entities that individuals often turn to for support—faith-based leaders. A faith-based community is an ideal focus for child abuse prevention work.
In fact, as part of their priorities for the prevention of child maltreatment, the Center for Disease Control (2005) identified faith-based organizations as one of the institutions that need to be engaged but are not typically considered part of the public health system. Their constituency includes those who may not be reached by traditional social service providers. Although they often have structures and values that are consistent with strengthening families, specific knowledge of and training on prevention and intervention in child abuse is needed.
In response to this need "The Foundation for Success" program consists of sequential workshop sessions that build on each other followed by individual coaching sessions to assist faith based community leaders who have regular, direct contact with at risk families apply this newly gained knowledge to their daily situations. Thus this project is intended to impact our most vulnerable populations by supporting key community partners, who directly work to strengthen families.
Our partners for this project are the Baptist Ministers Conference of Chicago and Vicinity (BMCCV). The BMCCV described their deep concern over the incidence of child abuse occurring in their community as well as their desire to address this critical problem.
They collected data regarding the prevalence of child abuse and neglect where their conference churches are located, the west and southern portions of the city of Chicago. The reported crimes against children include charges of: aggravated criminal sexual abuse by a family member; endangering the life/health of a child; child abandonment; and criminal sexual abuse—indecent solicitation of a child or sexual exploitation of a child, child abuse or primary offenses against children.
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