TAMPA—It is saddening fact that Hillsborough County constantly ranks as the highest in the state for the most reported and confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect but there is a local organization at the forefront.
Champions for Children (CFC) has been a driven and devoted organization whose tireless efforts are changing the tide of this issue.
CFC’s mission is to build strong families with safe, thriving children in the Tampa Bay region through its child abuse prevention and family education programs. To prevent abuse and neglect, this nationally accredited agency utilizes evidence-based and research-informed resources to educate and support parents and caregivers. Since 1977, they have touched thousands of lives as each year they serve nearly 40,000 children and parents.
Although they are committed to serving families with children from birth to 18 years old, a special focus is centered around the critically important 0-5-year-old range. Children grow 80% of their adult brain by three, so reaching families of young children as early as possible is crucial.
“Research has shown when a child experiences trauma early in their life, they may lead to health implications later in life, as well as social, emotional, developmental issues growing up,” said Jenna Ramos, Community Initiatives Associate at CFC.
She referred to what is called adverse childhood experiences known as ACE. A study from the American Psychological Association, described ACE as a broad range of childhood stressors on the health and social outcomes of adults.
These childhood stressors can consist of childhood sexual, physical and emotional abuse; and forms of household dysfunction, including growing up with mental illness, substance abuse, parental discord or divorce, an incarcerated household member, and domestic violence.
“There is a big turn on investment for early childhood intervention,” said Ramos. “It is actually easier and cheaper to invest in preventative services than it is to try and intervene and fix the problem once it happens.”
CFC has produced fantastic results from the variety of programs and services they offer. Each of the 11 programs aim to produce strong families and thriving children in their own, unique way. The numbers prove improvement, as 86% of parents demonstrate strengthened parenting skills and 96% of children are developmentally on track after participating in their programs.
A major component of healthy childhood development they stress to the parents is mindful parenting.
“Something as simple as being present with your baby at a young age goes a long way for their emotional development,” said Paula Wyne, program director of the Baby Bungalow program. “When you’re with your baby, turn off your phone and show them the care and attention they need rather than ignoring them.”
A community collaborative campaign run by CFC which reflects this practice is Talk Read Sing Tampa Bay. Research has shown that babies with low levels of one-to-one interactions fall measurably behind by 18 months.
The campaign is teaching parents that although talking, singing, reading and playing games are simple interactions, they generate direct biology-based impact by creating powerful neuron connections in the infant’s brain.
An individual can contact them at their website or at 813-673-4646 or email info@cfctb.org. Champions for Children is located on 3108 W Azeele St. Tampa, FL 33609.
