Published: November 18, 2009 06:58 am      

Oklahoma Family Week focusing on 'connections'

Social connections can help prevent child abuse.

That’s the focus of Oklahoma Family Week, which will be held Nov. 22 through Nov. 28 under the theme, “Connections Count.”

The week is a special time set aside to publicize prevention of child abuse, according to information from Terry Salisbury, director of the Woodward County Health Department.

“These connections include access to reliable transportation, employment opportunities, education, child care, housing, health care, and support from community networks and institutions,” Salisbury said.

Strong families also help.

“Families are strong when they live in communities that connect them to economic opportunities, social networks and services,” Salisbury said.

Ways to make connections count include:

• Extending the family by meeting neighbors and having a neighborhood activity.

• Being a leader by getting involved in a school meeting or activity to improve a child’s education.

• Coordinating family volunteer projects with other groups in the neighborhood.

• Selecting an issue that can improve the community and working with local official and nonprofit agencies to make changes.

• Encouraging employers to consider family friendly work options, such as flexible hours and time off to attend school functions.

According to Salisbury, nurturing and attachment, knowledge of parenting, child and youth development, parental resilience to stress or crisis and support systems for parents all help prevent child abuse.

For more information about Oklahoma Family Week, visit the Oklahoma Family Resource Coalition web site at www.ofrcorg or contact the Woodward County Health Department at (580) 256-6416.