For: Immediate Release

From: Keryn Bernard-Kriegl, Executive Director, NH Children's Trust, the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America

RE: Man accused of beating 10-week-old boy

Date: January 2, 2014

While situations like this one engender passionate responses, stronger penalties do not equip parents to raise healthy children.  If we could apply the passions expressed in WMUR's article and web comments, "Man accused of beating 10-week-old boy"

to see this man punished, to seeing that families live in supportive communities, we could raise a generation of children free from harm.  http://www.wmur.com/news/nh-news/man-accused-of-beating-10weekold-boy/-/9857858/23734326/-/yimbwoz/-/index.html#mid=17556744?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=wmur%2Bfacebook

In 2012, the NH Division of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) reported making over 9,000 assessments that resulted in 915 children being substantiated victims of abuse and neglect in their homes. 33% of these children were under the age of four.  Because NH does not collect the data on abuse outside the home, we know that many more children were abused and neglected by others.  Everyone in NH who suspects child abuse and neglect is required to file a report with DCYF at (800) 894-5522. 

We also know that the NH state general funds contribute no funds ($0) for child abuse prevention. Some WMUR comments included advocating for a public awareness campaign similar to DWI campaigns.  The work being done in New Hampshire is primarily funded by private sources.  For this to change,, citizens would need to convince lawmakers that child abuse prevention is a priority that should be supported with public dollars.

We all have a responsibility to keep our children safe.  Tragic incidents like these beg the questions,

• Did this mother have adequate family supports? - Everyone needs families, friends and neighbors to turn to.
• Did the baby have regular well-child visits with a pediatric provider?  If not, what kept this from happening?    If so, did the provider know what to look for, what questions to ask, where to refer the family for support and education?
• Did the mother and her boyfriend receive education in the Period of PURPLE Crying before discharge from the hospital?  Were they sent home with information and a plan for managing the frustration associated with normal infant crying?
• Was the family referred to home visiting services during pregnancy and after birth?  If so and they refused support, what would have made them elect to receive the support?  Did folks who know them know they could go to www.nhhomevisiting.org to find the home visiting programs serving their town? 
• Did the infant attend childcare?  If so, did the childcare providers know what to look for, what questions to ask, where to refer the family for support and education?   
• Did the mother and boyfriend receive education in High School about parenting, child development and adult relationships?  If not, why not?  Most people will become parents at some point.

NH Children's Trust partners with family support and strengthening programs around the state to offer all families a place to help them thrive (visit www.FSNH.org).  We also work with hospitals and other supporters of families to educate parents about being prepared for the frustration resulting from the increased crying that happens when a baby is between 2 weeks and 6 months of age called the Period of PURPLE Crying.  We support the expansion of home visiting so that parents can be better prepared for all the challenges of parenting.  (visit www.nhhomevisiting.org)  Learn about all our work and how to get involved at www.nhchildrenstrust.org.