ALCOAST 117/20 - APR 2020 CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2020

R 010839 APR 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01752//
ALCOAST 117/20
COMDTNOTE 1752
SUBJ: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2020
A. National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, (Public Law 114-328)
1. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In alliance with DoD, this year’s
campaign theme is "Stand Up for MilKids.” This observance strives to raise awareness
of a key protective factor shown to increase children’s resilience: the stability of
a caring adult in a child’s life – whether a parent, family member, teacher, coach or
another positive role model. A caring adult, with a consistent presence in a child’s
life, can be a source of trust and support, and is especially important for children
who have been exposed to potential Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Children who
grow up with a caring adult in their lives are significantly more likely to develop
healthy coping skills and social behavior that will enable them to effectively deal
with life’s challenges.
2. The strength and unity of our military community presents a unique opportunity
for this year’s campaign. As we celebrate MilKids and recognize Child Abuse Prevention
Month, let’s acknowledge our role in keeping children safe and supporting their
resilience in the face of adversity.
3. Learn about the science of resilience and show your commitment to keep MilKids safe.
When you commit to Stand up for MilKids, you promise to do two things:
    a. Be a stable force for good in the life of a military child; and
    b. Encourage military parents to practice self-care and seek help when they are
overwhelmed. Each member of the Coast Guard mission ready total workforce can support
military parents by listening and offering help and reassurance, and reinforcing
healthy parenting, as well as practicing self-care. Making time to practice self-care
is consistent with good parenting and is an important tool for keeping families strong
and children safe.
4. All Coast Guardsmen, active, reserve, civilian employees and Auxiliarists must
proactively safeguard our MilKids. Per REF (A), Section 575, reporting reasonable
suspicion of child abuse is required by law for military chain of command, military
members and persons engaged in a profession or an activity involving military members
or their dependents. Our children are our future; they deserve our best.
5. Therefore, if you have concerns about a child’s safety, REF (A) requires that you
call both your local Family Advocacy Program (FAP) at 800-872-4957 and the Childhelp
National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453. For additional information and resources
regarding these topics, contact your local Work-Life Family Advocacy Specialist or
CGSUPRT 855-CG-SUPRT, www.cgsuprt.com.
6. Additional resources:
    a. The Science of Resilience:
        (1) https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/resilience/
        (2) https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/15/03/science-resilience/
    b. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
        (1) https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/acestudy/
    c. Protective Factors:
        (1) https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/promoting/protectfactors/
    d. THRIVE:
        (1) https://thrive.psu.edu/
7. Alternate POC: Johanna MacGillivray, LCSW, Family Advocacy Program Manager,
(202) 475-5161, email: Johanna.MacGillivray@uscg.mil, or Marshe Milbourne-Jackson, LPC,
HSWL Service Center FAP Coordinator, (757) 628-4374, Marshe.M.Milbourne-Jackson@uscg.mil.
8. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.