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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Hazardous waste dropoff day is Saturday ... Levy would restore bus services ... Woman facing charges in death of daughter pleads not guilty ... Hazardous waste dropoff day is Saturday ... Levy would restore bus services ... Woman facing charges in death of daughter pleads not guilty ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Make a call; you may help save a child Comment By Jennifer Mylenek MailTribune.com By Jennifer Mylenek Posted Apr. 22, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 25, 2016 at 8:58 AM By Jennifer Mylenek Posted Apr. 22, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 25, 2016 at 8:58 AM » Social News A presidential proclamation declared the month of April Child Abuse Prevention month in 1983. Since then, child serving agencies around the country have come together to shed light on a subject that most people would prefer to think doesn’t affect them or anyone they know. After all, who really wants to focus on something as ugly and heartbreaking as child abuse? Here’s why you should take a moment and think about it. Then you can go on with your day a better-informed, ready-to-act, responsible citizen: If you think for one minute a child is being abused (physically, sexually, or psychologically) or they are being criminally neglected — call 911 or Child Welfare at 541-776-6120. (They will do the work of investigation and determination and you remain completely anonymous. If a child is found to be safe, Child Welfare will not always open a case, but if needed they will help bring services to the family so they can stay together.) If you know a parent who is struggling but their child is safe, you can help by modeling good parenting skills, sharing helpful parenting information and/or connecting them with an agency that might be able to help: Jackson County Health and Human Services (541) 774-8200 is a good gateway organization. Understand right here and now that children see and hear everything, even when you don’t see them. They need positive reinforcement, love, boundaries, monitoring, nutritional food, appropriate clothing and shoes, a warm bed, outdoor activities, an education and lots of attention. They don’t benefit from being yelled at, hit, locked away, touched inappropriately or ignored. They suffer greatly from witnessing domestic violence or being exposed to substance abuse. This behavior by a parent serves no purpose except to damage, sometimes permanently, the child. (Domestic violence reporting: 911 or Community Works Victim Services line: 541-779-4357.) If you suspect drug abuse by a parent, call 911 or Child Welfare, 541-776-6120. Young children can suffer physical and emotional long-term affects from drug exposure. If you’re a parent who needs help, don’t be afraid to call Child Welfare 541-776-6120. They are equipped to help you with in-home services, in some cases, and depending on your needs. Or, they will refer you to an appropriate provider. Child Welfare’s goal is to ensure children can be with their parents, whenever that is safe and possible. The Children’s Advocacy Center, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and Family Nurturing Center have joined forces this year to help spread the word about child abuse prevention. Go to any of the following websites: www.jacksoncountycasa.org , www.cacjc.org or www.familynurturingcenter.org for more information. Thank you for taking the time to read this. You just might change a life. Jennifer Mylenek is executive director of CASA of Jackson County. By Jennifer Mylenek MailTribune.com By Jennifer Mylenek Posted Apr. 22, 2016 at 2:00 AM Updated Apr 25, 2016 at 8:58 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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