Child Abuse Prevention: Whose responsibility is it? Published April 2, 2009 By Jerome Ellis 4th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Office SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORC BASE, N.C. -- During the month of April, family advocacy programs, local and federal agencies, and citizens across the nation focus special attention on the prevention of child abuse. The month reflects a special reminder to each of us that the prevention of child abuse must become a personal priority and commitment. The question of who is responsible for prevention of child abuse is ever present. Is it the child protective agency, law enforcement, family advocacy or the parents? An African proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child." The observance of child abuse prevention month gives each of us the opportunity to promote and provide the best possible childhood for our children. Supporting the personal development, health, wellness and wellbeing of our children is imperative to the strength and stability of healthy communities. Children are our future and as such our most precious community asset. Family advocacy program education, training, family information fairs and clinical intervention are just some of the ways we encourage the investment of formal agencies and community members into the development of our youth Child abuse prevention month initiatives promote advocacy, education and action. The goal is that our homes and communities nurture the healthy development of children. Community wellness requires collective competence and shared responsibility. It is our duty to do all that we can do to support the wellbeing of children. We don't have bad parents here, but we do have some parents who can make bad choices. Parents have to remember safety is not the child's responsibility. Whose responsibility is child abuse prevention? It's everyday citizens like you and me.