By Leyla Burns
USAG Stuttgart, ACS
Family Advocacy Program Specialist
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP) will conduct virtual events to help recognize the resiliency of our children and to promote healthy families.
FAP is a congressionally mandated program designated to address domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. The program provides prevention, education, early reporting and intervention a well as treatment services to promote and develop strong, resilient and healthy families.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional stress on families and that added stress can put families at an increased possibility of having a child abuse incident. The FAP conducts stress management, anger management, couples communication and positive parenting classes throughout the year to assist community members in combating that added stress.
The FAP New Parent Support Program can help service members and families, who are expecting a child, or have children up to four years of age, build stronger, healthier family foundations. The program offers support and guidance when creating bonds between parents and their infants and toddlers, while managing the everyday demands of life as a parent.
Through this program, parents can learn how to remain flexible and responsive when navigating daily life, respond to infant and toddler behavior sensitively, build a strong support network and find services in the local community in a time of need.
All children deserve the opportunity to be raised in safe, nurturing homes free from abuse and neglect. Studies show that children raised in supportive and stable environments are more likely to lead healthy and successful lives, and those children exposed to violence and abuse are more likely to consider that behavior acceptable and continue the cycle of violence.
Through these programs and events, the FAP staff hopes to educate the community about the signs of child abuse and how they can help prevent it.
For more information on the FAP classes and events, go to the ACS Stuttgart Facebook page or contact ACS at CIV: 09641-70-596-3362 or DSN: (314) 596-3362. ACS is located on the second floor of building 2915 on Panzer Kaserne.
