Family Enrichment Center to recognize TEN-4 Awareness Day
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Family Enrichment Center, Inc. is bringing awareness to how the community can help a child who may be in an unsafe situation.
According to a release by the nonprofit, it is recognizing TEN-4, which stands for Torso, Ears and Neck in children 4 years old and under. This evidence-based bruising rule is a proven early warning sign in detecting potential physical abuse, the nonprofit says.
Family Enrichment Center says bruising in those areas in children these ages should be seen as a red flag and lead to further evaluation by medical or child protection professionals.
“TEN-4 is a simple, powerful tool that every caregiver, educator, and community member should know. Our youngest children are most vulnerable with 30% of child abuse victims being under the age of 4. Babies under the age of 1 account for the highest rate of victims at 34.6 per 1000 and are the most likely to die from abuse. Understanding the signs of child abuse CAN save lives!” said Nickie Jones, executive director of FEC.
Family Enrichment Center offers Parents as Teachers, a home visitation program to the Barren River area, providing regular visits from trained family coaches to “strengthen protective factors, identify concerns early” and connect them with resources.
According to the nonprofit, during a recent study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that “home visitation programs like the Parents as Teachers Program can reduce child abuse and neglect by approximately 40% compared to the control group that did not receive home visiting services.”
“Prevention starts with early education and support,” said director of programs, Samantha Berry. “Our home visiting staff build trusting relationships with families, providing the tools and knowledge they need to raise healthy, thriving children during one of the most crucial developmental periods of their child’s life.”
On this TEN-4 Awareness Day, Family Enrichment Center says it is encouraging the community to learn the signs, support families and speak up.
The community is invited to raise awareness on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. at 200 E. Fourth Ave. The nonprofit says the group will gather with local partners and officials to proclaim Oct. 4 as TEN-4 Awareness Day.
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