In 2007, approximately 10,000 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in San Diego County, which holds a rate of abuse higher than the state average. “Abuse” refers to neglect as well as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse – all of which impact a child’s health and well-being, including the ability to learn. Crime, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and increased high school dropout rates are also risk factors for abused and neglected children.

United Way recruited a vision council of top experts to create a plan to make a significant change in the lives of abused children in San Diego County. Chaired by Blair Sadler, retired CEO of Rady Children's Hospital, the council includes members from county government, child advocates, representatives from the legal and medical communities, and social service providers.

As a result, two innovative programs were implemented to tackle the root causes of abuse and neglect in the County and protect the lives of its most vulnerable population.

SafeCare®

SafeCare is an in-home-visitation program that focuses on children from birth to 12 years old. By teaching four to six months of intensive parenting and child health skills, the program has proven to reduce child abuse up to 70% in other U.S. cities. So far in the San Diego region, 90 families have received the training, affecting the lives of 200 children.

Period of PURPLE Crying®

Approximately 1,300 babies in the U.S. are hospitalized each year with brain damage from being shaken, and many die from their injuries. The Period of PURPLE Crying (POPC), an evidence-based program created by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, teaches parents how to recognize varying characteristics of infant crying and to handle the subsequent frustration. Instruction is delivered by a nurse or health educator one-on-one, and through viewing a DVD and brochure. To date, nearly 1700 parents have received POPC training.

Other programs funded by United Way to stop the incidence of child abuse:

• The first Camp Connect West reunited 60 brothers and sisters that live apart in foster care. The three-day camp, located in the mountains of Julian, gave separated siblings a chance to maintain the important bond between brothers and sisters – relationships that are critical to a child’s sense of self. United Way funding made the camp and other year-round, sibling-connection activities possible. Learn more about the camp by visiting uwsd.org and typing keyword: Camp Connect
   
• The United Way Child Abuse and Neglect Fellowship, developed at Rady Children’s Hospital through the Chadwick Center for Children and Families, was established to provide highly specialized training for one board certified pediatrician to become a certified Child Abuse and Neglect specialist. The fellow will conduct research into treatment and prevention, treat children, and provide community education and training to spread knowledge to other providers throughout the County.

Who is conducting these programs?

United Way has funded several local agencies – including South Bay Community Services, Social Advocates for Youth, and The Chadwick Center for Children and Families of Rady’s Children Hospital – to implement the SafeCare program. Period of PURPLE Crying funded agencies include San Diego Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Program (SANDAPP), Home Start, and Family Health Centers “Black Infant Health” program.

Implementing these programs throughout the region sets the stage for systemic change – “cascading” the program out by training other agencies across the County to help more families … and save more children.

Who is getting help?

Research shows that many parents reported for child abuse and neglect lack the basic knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective parent. This could mean a teen or young mother, a new single parent, an aging or overwhelmed family member – anyone in a position of care-giving who might be under-equipped to handle the responsibilities of raising a child.

How will we measure success?

Our goal is prevention through evidence-based programs that produce lasting, measurable results. Systemic change ensures that every child affected has access to these proven programs.

SafeCare will measure changes in parent knowledge, behavior, and re-reporting of child neglect and abuse. So far, nearly 90 families have received SafeCare education. By year’s end, twice as many families will be served.

Period of Purple Crying (POPC) will measure changes in parent knowledge regarding normal infant crying and how to keep children safe. Currently, 1690 parents are being trained in POPC; year-one goals target 15,000 parents to receive training by June 30, 2009.

Click here to view our Fact Sheet for more detail on this initiative.