ALCOAST 125/21 - MAR 2021 CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2021

R 311020Z MAR 21
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 125/21
SSIC 1752
SUBJ: CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – APRIL 2021
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 “All In To End Child Abuse.” This
observance strives to remind us that our first duty is to our
next generation. Keeping our children safe and resilient,
particularly in the midst of a national pandemic, is an ongoing
challenge and a military priority.
2. The key protective factor shown to increase children’s
resilience is 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 with 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.
3. The strength and unity of our military community presents a
unique opportunity for this year’s campaign. As we celebrate and
recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month, let us acknowledge our
role in keeping children safe and supporting their resilience
in the face of adversity.
4. Every caring adult in the community can play a role in supporting
military children, including those impacted by trauma, abuse, and
neglect:
    a. Be a stable force for good in the life of a military child;
    b. Engage in active listening, reinforce healthy parenting,
        and encourage military parents to practice self-care and
        seek help when they are overwhelmed;
    c. Report reasonable suspicion of child abuse and neglect;
    d. Provide resources to help children and families heal from
        abuse; and,
    e. Abolish abuse in our military community.
5. Making time to practice self-care and building networks are
consistent with good parenting and important tools for keeping
families strong and children safe.
6. All Coast Guardsmen, active, reserve, civilian employees, and
Auxiliarists must proactively safeguard our children. Per REF (A),
Section 575, reporting reasonable suspicion of child abuse is
required by law for military chains 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.
7. Therefore, if you have concerns about a child’s safety, REF (A)
requires that you call both your local Family Advocacy Program
(FAP) at 1-202-475-5100, 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.
8. Additional resources:
    a. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs):
        https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect
        acestudy/
    b. Thrive: https://thrive.psu.edu/
    c. Period of Purple Crying resources for parents of newborns:
        http://purplecrying.info/
    d. Help Your Child Heal from Trauma:
        https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/trauma_ts_2019.pdf
    e. What is Complex Trauma? A Resource Guide for Youth and Those
        Who Care About Them:
        https://www.nctsn.org/resources/what-complex-trauma-resource
        -guide-youth-and-those-who-care-about-them
    f.  Keeping Your Family Strong: https://www.childwelfare.gov
        /pubPDFs/strong_ts_2019.pdf
9. POCs: 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.
10. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director of Health, Safety, and
Work-Life (CG-11), sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.