Kingston, NY - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, Ulster County District Attorney D. Holley Carnright and Commissioner of Social Services Michael Iapoce, Esq., announce that Ulster County recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ulster County. In order to raise awareness, Ulster County has arranged for the display of a banner in front of the Department of Social Services on Albany Avenue in Kingston during the month of April. The banner includes a phone number for those who need assistance or information.
Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive
“We want our children to have the best future possible,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “By raising awareness about the difficult topic of child abuse during the month of April, we want to remind parents and caregivers that it is important to have the knowledge, skills and resources to care for and protect our children. Focusing on ways to build and promote healthy families is one of the best things our community can do to prevent child abuse and promote optimal child development. For information or assistance please call Ulster County Department of Social Services Children’s Services at 845-334-5400.”
Research shows that when parents possess six protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. The six protective factors are:
- Nurturing and attachment;
- Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development;
- Parental resilience;
- Social connections;
- Concrete supports for parents; and
- Social and emotional developmental well-being.
D. Holley Carnright, Ulster County District Attorney
“Even one instance of child abuse is too many,” said Ulster County District Attorney D. Holley Carnright. “That is why it is the responsibility of the entire community to be proactive and work together to protect our children and prevent child abuse. I am pleased that the County Executive is drawing attention to this important issue as law enforcement, social services, child advocates and other professionals continue to collaborate to provide services to protect our children from becoming victims."
Michael Iapoce, Esq., Commissioner of Ulster County Department of Social Services
"Ulster County DSS Children's Services is proud to join the County Executive in recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Ulster County Commissioner of Social Services Michael Iapoce, Esq. “In Ulster County we have a long history of reaching out to families and providing multiple services to prevent the occurrence or re-occurrence of incidents of child abuse. Caseworkers from our Child Protective Services, Preventive, Foster Care, Family Assessment Response and Coordinated Children's Services Units, and the Family and Children's Advocacy Center (FCAC) provide a broad spectrum of services aimed at helping families remain together while keeping children safe. These units work intensively with families on a one-to-one basis to intervene when a child or family is dealing with traumatic events, as well as identifying and meeting children's and families' needs including daycare, parent education, and referrals for many outside supportive services. Our FCAC multi-disciplinary team is located in a child-focused center where child victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, physical abuse and trafficking receive a variety of services including advocacy, medical, and therapeutic treatment. We are committed to doing everything we can to prevent child abuse and to ensure that families have the support and services they need to keep children safe."
