by: Shauntel Allen LCSW, MAC, New Parent Support Program

The New Parent Support Program is an early intervention program offered to Fort Gordon service members who have children ages 0-3. Our goal is to educate parents on nurturing and attachment, child development and milestones, environmental safety and injury prevention, increase support skills and confidence needed for problem-solving, healthy relationships, and appropriate parent-child interactions through modeling and role play. We offer one-on-one sessions, support groups, a new parent orientation class, and baby showers for active-duty families.

We believe by arming families with tools to take care of themselves and their children, we can help prevent child abuse. The Children's Bureau, within the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (2021), notes six protective factors that help enhance and strengthen families:

1. Nurturing and Attachment: "We love each other."
2. Knowledge of Parenting: "I can choose what works best for my children."
3. Parental Resilience: "I deserve self-care."
4. Social Connections: "We are connected."
5. Concrete Support for Families: "I can find help for my family."
6. Social/Emotional Competence: "I help my child learn social skills."

By incorporating these protective factors into families' daily lifestyles, the risk of child abuse hopefully lessens. If you would like more information about the six protective factors and how to incorporate them into your family, please contact the New Parent Support Program at (706) 791-3579.

Everyone can play a role in supporting families in order to prevent child abuse and neglect. Help raise child abuse awareness in your community by using the following hashtags on social media posts:
#ChildAbusePreventionMonth
#thrivingfamilies
#CAPMonth