Family Advocacy Program defines child abuse, discipline

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Throughout the month of April, the 36th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Program holds events that promote the prevention of child abuse for Child Abuse Prevention Month at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

The events will focus on sending positive messages to families about supporting children and family members while strengthening communities to prevent incidents of child abuse. The first awareness event included a pinwheel planting on April 3 and the second event will be a kid's health fair scheduled  April 8.

This year's theme, "Know the Difference-Discipline is Not Abuse," emphasizes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services effort to educate parents on disciplining children without being abusive.

According to U.S. Navy Fleet and Family Support Program, discipline involves both punishment and reward, a strategy to coach a child on making the correct decisions and does not have to be physical. The program also addresses guiding principles that include; refraining from disciplining a child while angry, using social skills to encourage good character, establishing rules and avoiding power struggles with children.
Esther Rollen, 36th MDOS clinical counselor, stated that parents can never learn enough about parenting because children change constantly and parents need to be prepared.

The Family Advocacy Program is designed to both prevent and provide intervention services for active-duty members and their families regarding family issues, the prevention of family maltreatment or provide intervention services if an incident occurs such as domestic violence or child abuse.  The prevention program includes classes, workshops, seminars, a new parent support program, public awareness campaigns and counseling.

Family Advocacy officials believe good parenting goes hand-in-hand with strong relationships between parents and offers stress management and couples communication classes to help.

"It is not directly parenting, but it is strengthening the parents--just another tool that will work in your favor when it comes to parenting," said Capt. Melanie Roserie, 36th MDOS family advocacy officer.

The parenting classes provided by FAP include "1-2-3 Magic," a one-session class held every other month, "Parenting the Love and Logic Way," a five-session class, "Surviving Your Adolescents," a two-session class, and "24/7 Dads," a one-session class taught by dads specifically for dads.

"It's important to provide support to families who struggle and work every day to raise a family," said Lori Naputi, 36th MDOS education services facilitator.

Those interested in taking the Child Abuse Prevention Month pledge can do so at www.taketheCAPMpledge.org.

For more information on courses or on how to prevent child abuse, contact the FAP at 366-5167.