STATISTICS   |   CAUSES & RISKS   |   PREVENTION   |   EXPERIENCES   |   DIGITAL TOOLKIT   |   PRESS   |   GET HELP   |   ​DONATE

Prevention & Intervention

Strategies and resources to help prevent child abuse and support affected families

Prevention Approaches
Effective prevention efforts operate at multiple levels of society and require coordinated action.

Individual Level
Programs and interventions focused on building personal skills and knowledge.

• Parenting education and support
• Child abuse prevention training
• Therapeutic interventions for at-risk parents
• Mental health services
• Substance abuse treatment

Family Level
Support systems that strengthen family functioning and create safer environments.

• Home visiting programs for new parents
• Family resource centers
• Family preservation services
• Respite care services
• Economic support programs
• Domestic violence services

Community Level
Community-wide efforts that create a protective environment for all children.

• Public awareness campaigns
• School-based prevention programs
• Community resource coordination
• Early childhood education programs
• After-school and youth development programs
• Safe and affordable housing initiatives

Evidence-Based Prevention Programs
These programs have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing child abuse and neglect.

Nurse-Family Partnership
A home visitation program where registered nurses visit first-time, low-income mothers from pregnancy through the child's second birthday.

• Improves prenatal health and birth outcomes
• Reduces child injuries and maltreatment
• Enhances maternal life outcomes
• Increases intervals between births

Learn more about NFP

---

SafeCare
An evidence-based home visitation program for families at risk or with a history of child maltreatment. Focuses on three key areas over 18-20 weeks.

• Parent-child interactions
• Home safety
• Child health care
• Demonstrated 26% reduction in maltreatment recidivism

Learn more about SafeCare

Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)
A multi-level parenting and family support system designed to prevent and treat behavioral and emotional problems in children.

• Builds positive relationships and communication
• Teaches non-violent discipline techniques
• Helps manage parental stress and anger
• Available at various intensity levels based on family needs

Learn more about Triple P

---

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
An evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems that places emphasis on improving the quality of the parent-child relationship.

• Live coaching of parents during interactions with their child
• Improves parent-child attachment
• Reduces problematic child behavior
• Teaches effective discipline strategies

Learn more about PCIT

Prevention Resources
Organizations and resources dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect

Prevent Child Abuse America
Works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide through a network of chapters in all 50 states.
Visit Website

Child Welfare Information Gateway
Connects child welfare and related professionals to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families.
Visit Website

National Parent Helpline
Provides emotional support from trained advocates to parents and caregivers, helping them become stronger parents and create nurturing homes.
Visit Website

---

ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Professional crisis counselors provide crisis intervention, information, and referrals to emergency, social service, and support resources.
Visit Website

---

Children's Bureau
​Works with state and local agencies to develop programs that focus on preventing child abuse and neglect while strengthening families.
Visit Website

---

Committee for Children
Their Second Step program teaches social-emotional skills to children from preschool through grade 8, helping build safe, respectful school environments.
Visit Website

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, don't hesitate to report it. Your action could save a life and prevent further harm.

Learn How to Report Suspected Abuse

---

Contact Us
Have questions, ideas, or want to partner with #DontTouchMe? We'd love to hear from you.
Email: [email protected]