In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with you and your family’s health and safety. Memorial Day is a great time to relax and spend time with family and friends. However, just like with any holiday, safety should always be your number one concern. So whether you're having a barbecue or hitting the beach, below are some safety tips from the Health & Wellness section of associatedcontent.com, that you don't want to leave home without.
1.) Before leaving the house, make sure everyone in your party, applies sun block. It is important to protect your skin from the harmful rays and prevent sunburns. After swimming or sweating, the sun block tends to wear off, so be sure to reapply often.
2.) Memorial Day weekend is when the temperature really starts to climb the charts, so bring plenty of water. It is extremely important to stay hydrated, in order to prevent heat strokes.
3.) Keep an emergency kit in the car when traveling. Your emergency kit should have an ice pack, bandages, ointments and any other necessary items. Always keep it well stock and in a convenient location. Also, always remember to keep your Ident-A-Kid card handy at all times when traveling with children.
4.) If alcohol will be present, make sure there is a designated driver ahead of time. Never drink when operating a vehicle, boat or swimming.
5.) When barbecuing, make sure your grill is at least three feet from your house, and on a nonflammable surface. This is to protect your home in the case that a fire breaks out.
6.) Avoid food borne illnesses at picnics and cookouts, by cooking food thoroughly. Always wash your hands before and after handling food. What I like to do is keep a purse size bottle of hand sanitizer on me, at all times. That way if I don't have access to a sink right away, I can make sure my hands stay clean.
7.) When swimming at a public pool, obey all the rules and any posted signs. Create water safety rules for your family and guests, when swimming at home. I would recommend having an adult stay by the pool, to keep an eye on children and help prevent any accidents.
8.) After cooking, a lot of people tend to leave food sitting out. This can cause food to spoil and ultimately make you sick. So package food and keep it refrigerated. Things that are mayonnaise-based like potato salad, definitely must be kept cold.
9.) When boating, make sure everyone wears life jackets, especially weak swimmers and children.
10.) When traveling, don't forget to wear your seatbelt. The possibility of being in an accident is greater during the holiday weekend, so protect yourself and others.
To view the original source of this article, please visit www.associatedcontent.com in the Health and Wellness section.
To learn more about Child Identification and Child Safety, please visit www.identakid.com
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Water and Swimming Safety
In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with your child’s safety. With summer and hot weather rapidly approaching, it is time to break out those swim suits and cool off in the water! However, water, in many forms, can be dangerous. Below are some helpful swimming and water safety tips from the Mayo Clinic.
Water may be fun to play with — but it can also be deadly. Consider child safety tips for home pools, natural bodies of water and common household hazards.
Most children are drawn to water. It's sparkly. Things float in it. And it's fun to splash. But child safety takes on new meaning near water. Anyone can have a water-related accident — even children who know how to swim. To keep your children safe in and near the water, follow simply child safety guidelines.
Child safety: Residential swimming pools, spas
Multiple layers of protection can help prevent drowning in a home pool or spa. If you have a pool or hut tub, follow all local safety ordinances. Also consider these general child safety tips:
Fence it in. Surround your pool with a fence that's at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. Slatted fences should have no gaps wider than 4 inches (10.1 centimeters), so kids can't squeeze through. Avoid chain-link fences, which can be easy for children to climb. Install self-closing and self-latching gates with latches that are beyond a child's reach.
Install alarms. If your house serves as part of your pool enclosure, protect any doors leading to the pool area with an alarm. Add an underwater pool alarm that sounds when something hits the water. Make sure you can hear the alarm inside the house.
Block pool and hot tub access. Use a rigid, motorized safety cover to block access to the pool when it's not in use. Secure a cover on hot tubs as well. Don't allow water to collect on top of the pool or hot tub cover. Remove above-ground pool steps or ladders or lock them behind a fence when the pool isn't in use.
Teach children to swim. Most children can learn to swim at age 5 — but know that swimming lessons won't necessarily drown-proof a child.
Remove toys. Don't leave pool toys in the water. A child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.
Keep your eyes peeled. Never leave children unsupervised near a pool or hot tub. During social gatherings, adults can take turns being the "designated watcher."
Beware of drains. Don't allow children to play near or sit on pool or hut tub drains. Body parts and hair may become entrapped by the strong suction. Use drain covers, and consider installing multiple drains to reduce the suction.
Child safety: Natural bodies of water
Swimming conditions can be unpredictable in lakes, rivers and oceans. Water depth can change rapidly, as can water temperature, currents and the weather. Murky water may conceal hazards. Follow these child safety tips:
Don't swim alone. Never allow children to swim alone or without adult supervision.
Wear a life jacket. Children should wear personal flotation devices whenever riding in a boat or fishing. An air-filled swimming aid isn't a substitute for a life jacket.
Feet first. The first descent into any body of water should be a jump — feet first. Before the jump, check water depth and look for underwater hazards.
Stay in designated areas. At public beaches, swim only in areas set aside for swimming. Don't allow children to swim in drainage ditches or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming.
Beware of thin ice. Drowning can occur in the winter, too. Avoid walking, skating or riding on weak or thawing ice.
Child safety: Toilets, bathtubs and buckets
The water in common household items can be dangerous for young children. A baby can drown in just 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water. A curious toddler can fall into a toilet, bucket or fish tank. Taking these precautions can help:
Supervise bath time. Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or in the care of another child. Drain water from the tub immediately after use.
Shut toilet lids. Install childproof locks on toilet lids.
Store buckets safely. Empty buckets and other containers immediately after use. Don't leave them outside, where they may accumulate water.
Of course, even if you're diligent about child safety, accidents are still possible. Prepare for an emergency by learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Quick action can save a life.
For more information and to view the source of this article, please visit the Mayo Clinic’s website
For more information about Child Identification, please visit www.identakid.com
Water may be fun to play with — but it can also be deadly. Consider child safety tips for home pools, natural bodies of water and common household hazards.
Most children are drawn to water. It's sparkly. Things float in it. And it's fun to splash. But child safety takes on new meaning near water. Anyone can have a water-related accident — even children who know how to swim. To keep your children safe in and near the water, follow simply child safety guidelines.
Child safety: Residential swimming pools, spas
Multiple layers of protection can help prevent drowning in a home pool or spa. If you have a pool or hut tub, follow all local safety ordinances. Also consider these general child safety tips:
Fence it in. Surround your pool with a fence that's at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall. Slatted fences should have no gaps wider than 4 inches (10.1 centimeters), so kids can't squeeze through. Avoid chain-link fences, which can be easy for children to climb. Install self-closing and self-latching gates with latches that are beyond a child's reach.
Install alarms. If your house serves as part of your pool enclosure, protect any doors leading to the pool area with an alarm. Add an underwater pool alarm that sounds when something hits the water. Make sure you can hear the alarm inside the house.
Block pool and hot tub access. Use a rigid, motorized safety cover to block access to the pool when it's not in use. Secure a cover on hot tubs as well. Don't allow water to collect on top of the pool or hot tub cover. Remove above-ground pool steps or ladders or lock them behind a fence when the pool isn't in use.
Teach children to swim. Most children can learn to swim at age 5 — but know that swimming lessons won't necessarily drown-proof a child.
Remove toys. Don't leave pool toys in the water. A child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.
Keep your eyes peeled. Never leave children unsupervised near a pool or hot tub. During social gatherings, adults can take turns being the "designated watcher."
Beware of drains. Don't allow children to play near or sit on pool or hut tub drains. Body parts and hair may become entrapped by the strong suction. Use drain covers, and consider installing multiple drains to reduce the suction.
Child safety: Natural bodies of water
Swimming conditions can be unpredictable in lakes, rivers and oceans. Water depth can change rapidly, as can water temperature, currents and the weather. Murky water may conceal hazards. Follow these child safety tips:
Don't swim alone. Never allow children to swim alone or without adult supervision.
Wear a life jacket. Children should wear personal flotation devices whenever riding in a boat or fishing. An air-filled swimming aid isn't a substitute for a life jacket.
Feet first. The first descent into any body of water should be a jump — feet first. Before the jump, check water depth and look for underwater hazards.
Stay in designated areas. At public beaches, swim only in areas set aside for swimming. Don't allow children to swim in drainage ditches or other water-filled areas not intended for swimming.
Beware of thin ice. Drowning can occur in the winter, too. Avoid walking, skating or riding on weak or thawing ice.
Child safety: Toilets, bathtubs and buckets
The water in common household items can be dangerous for young children. A baby can drown in just 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of water. A curious toddler can fall into a toilet, bucket or fish tank. Taking these precautions can help:
Supervise bath time. Never leave a child alone in the bathtub or in the care of another child. Drain water from the tub immediately after use.
Shut toilet lids. Install childproof locks on toilet lids.
Store buckets safely. Empty buckets and other containers immediately after use. Don't leave them outside, where they may accumulate water.
Of course, even if you're diligent about child safety, accidents are still possible. Prepare for an emergency by learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Quick action can save a life.
For more information and to view the source of this article, please visit the Mayo Clinic’s website
For more information about Child Identification, please visit www.identakid.com
Thursday, May 13, 2010
May is National Get Caught Reading Month!
In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with the literacy of children worldwide. Reading to your children and teaching your children to read is a very important part of their development. May is National Get Caught Reading month. Below is some information from getcaughtreading.org about the importance of teaching children to read and reading to your children.
Get Caught Reading is a nationwide campaign to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read. May is Get Caught Reading month, but the campaign is promoted throughout the year. Get Caught Reading is supported by the Association of American Publishers (AAP). Launched in 1999, "Get Caught Reading" is the brainchild of former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, President and Chief Executive Officer of AAP, the industry association representing book publishers. She saw the opportunity to spread the word about the joys of reading through an industry-supported literacy campaign.
Because of research indicating that early language experience actually stimulates a child's brain to grow and that reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school, we hope to encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives.
Get Caught Reading is honored to have the support of well known figures including First Lady Laura Bush, Drew Carey, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Donald Duck, Patty Duke, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Graham, Derek Jeter, Vernon Jordan, Jake Lloyd, Rosie O'Donnell, Dolly Parton, The Rugrats, Jane Seymour, Sammy Sosa, Spider Man, Erik Weihenmayer, and Robin Williams, who have all been "caught reading" their favorite books and magazines for print ads and posters seen by millions of people across the country. In addition, more than 200 Members of Congress have been photographed "caught reading" on Capitol Hill.
Hundreds of teachers and librarians across the U.S. have embraced the campaign. They are setting up "Get Caught Reading" corners, allocating a special time each day for leisure reading, and taking photos of students "caught reading" for classroom posters.
Fact Sheet on the Importance of Reading to Infants and Young Children
American families need relevant, focused, timely information concerning their children's well-being. Most parents know that it is nice to read to children every day, but are unaware of the newest discoveries in neuroscience showing that reading aloud actually stimulates the growth of a baby's brain. The AAP has put together a short list of citations to help adults understand that reading aloud to children is as important as fastening their seat belts and providing good nutrition.
A burst of research activity in the past few years is giving us a whole new understanding of how the brain develops and the crucial role of early language experiences, including reading.
Extraordinary advances in neuroscience have been facilitated by the development of sophisticated research tools such as brain imaging technologies, making it possible to study the actual growth and workings of the brain.
Extraordinary advances in neuroscience have been facilitated by the development of sophisticated research tools such as brain imaging technologies, making it possible to study the actual growth and workings of the brain.
These technological advances have come at a time of growing concern about the health, well-being and academic achievement of America's children. Several important conferences, including a White House Summit in the Spring of 1997, have focused not only on the scientific findings but on their public policy implications as well.
What the research shows:
An infant's brain structure is not genetically determined. Early experiences have a decisive impact on the architecture of a baby's brain.
"A child care provider reads to a toddler. And in a matter of seconds, thousands of cells in these children's growing brains respond. Some brain cells are 'turned on,' triggered by this particular experience. Many existing connections among brain cells are strengthened. At the same time, new brain cells are formed, adding a bit more definition and complexity to the intricate circuitry that will remain largely in place for the rest of these children's lives."
The development of early literacy skills through early experiences with books and stories is critically linked to a child's success in learning to read.
Development of literacy is a continuous process that begins early in life and depends heavily on environmental influences.
Children who are read to from an early age are more successful at learning to read.
". . . reading aloud to children is the single most important intervention for developing their literacy skills," according to a 1985 study by the National Commission on Reading.
". . . reading aloud to children is the single most important intervention for developing their literacy skills," according to a 1985 study by the National Commission on Reading.
Early reading experiences are now recognized as being of such importance that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "pediatricians prescribe reading activities along with other instructions given to parents at the time of well-child visits." The President of the Academy, Dr. Robert E. Hannemann, stated: "We strongly recommend daily reading to children from six months of age."
For more information about Get Caught Reading month and to access promotional items, please visit http://www.getcaughtreading.org/
For more information about Ident-A-Kid and Child Identification, please visit our website at http://www.identakid.com/
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Children's Medication Recall
In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with your child’s health. With the recent recall of many children’s medications, like Tylenol and Motrin, it makes us more aware that it is important know what we are giving to our children for their health complaints. Below is the official press release about the recall of the children’s medications. Also included is a list of those medications that have been recalled. Be sure to carefully read through the list and take the necessary precautions to make sure your children stay healthy and are not taking these medications.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain OTC Infants’ and Children’s Products
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 30, 2010 – Fort Washington, PA. McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is voluntarily recalling all lots that have not yet expired of certain over-the-counter (OTC) Children’s and Infants’ liquid products manufactured in the United States and distributed in the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Dubai (UAE), Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, and Kuwait. (SEE RECALLED PRODUCT LIST BELOW).
McNeil Consumer Healthcare is initiating this voluntary recall because some of these products may not meet required quality standards. This recall is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse medical events. However, as a precautionary measure, parents and caregivers should not administer these products to their children. Some of the products included in the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified; others may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles. While the potential for serious medical events is remote, the company advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use.
The company is conducting a comprehensive quality assessment across its manufacturing operations and has identified corrective actions that will be implemented before new manufacturing is initiated at the plant where the recalled products were made.
Consumers can contact the company at 1-888-222-6036 and also at www.mcneilproductrecall.com1. Parents and caregivers who are not sure about alternative pediatric health treatment options should talk to their doctor or pharmacist and are reminded to never give drug products to infants and children that are not intended for those age groups as this could result in serious harm
For additional information, including affected NDC numbers, consumers should visit our website www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch2.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known OTC products.
PRODUCTS NDC Number
TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-144-01
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR* 50580-144-15
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. CHERRY DYE FREE 50580-167-01
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-143-15
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-143-30
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. GRAPE - HOSPITAL 50580-144-18
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.25 OZ. GRAPE - SAMPLE 50580-144-40
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSIONS
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 2 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR 50580-123-02
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR 50580-123-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-166-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. GRAPE SPLASH 50580-296-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-407-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. VERY BERRY STRAWBERRY FLAVOR 50580-493-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR – SAMPLE 50580-123-01
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR – HOSPITAL 50580-123-03
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSIONS
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COUGH & SORE THROAT CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-247-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COUGH & RUNNY NOSE CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-249-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD & STUFFY NOSE GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-253-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD & COUGH GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-254-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-255-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. FLU BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-386-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-387-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD & ALLERGY BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-390-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-391-04
MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS
CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. BERRY DYE FREE 50580-198-01
CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. BERRY DYE FREE 50580-198-15
CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR* 50580-100-15
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSIONS
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BERRY DYE FREE 50580-184-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 2 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR 50580-601-02
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR 50580-601-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. TROPICAL PUNCH FLAVOR 50580-215-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-603-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-604-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. GRAPE SAMPLE 50580-603-01
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. BUBBLEGUM SAMPLE 50580-604-01
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. BERRY SAMPLE 50580-601-01
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BERRY HOSPITAL 50580-601-50
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD BERRY FLAVOR 50580-902-04
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® LIQUIDS IN BOTTLES
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM SYRUP 50580-721-04
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® DYE FREE 4 OZ. GRAPE SYRUP 50580-730-04
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® SUGAR-FREE DYE-FREE 0.5 OZ. GRAPE 50580-730-15
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® SUGAR-FREE DYE-FREE 0.5 OZ. BUBBLEGUM 50580-721-15
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® SUGAR-FREE DYE-FREE 2 X 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM LIQUID 50580-721-08
CHILDREN'S BENADRYL® ALLERGY LIQUIDS IN BOTTLES
CHILDREN'S BENADRYL® ALLERGY 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM FLAVORED LIQUID 50580-535-04
* CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR is also included in JOHNSON'S ® Baby Relief Kit.
*CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR is also included in JOHNSON'S ® Baby Relief Kit
McNeil Consumer Healthcare Announces Voluntary Recall of Certain OTC Infants’ and Children’s Products
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 30, 2010 – Fort Washington, PA. McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is voluntarily recalling all lots that have not yet expired of certain over-the-counter (OTC) Children’s and Infants’ liquid products manufactured in the United States and distributed in the United States, Canada, Dominican Republic, Dubai (UAE), Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago, and Kuwait. (SEE RECALLED PRODUCT LIST BELOW).
McNeil Consumer Healthcare is initiating this voluntary recall because some of these products may not meet required quality standards. This recall is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse medical events. However, as a precautionary measure, parents and caregivers should not administer these products to their children. Some of the products included in the recall may contain a higher concentration of active ingredient than is specified; others may contain inactive ingredients that may not meet internal testing requirements; and others may contain tiny particles. While the potential for serious medical events is remote, the company advises consumers who have purchased these recalled products to discontinue use.
The company is conducting a comprehensive quality assessment across its manufacturing operations and has identified corrective actions that will be implemented before new manufacturing is initiated at the plant where the recalled products were made.
Consumers can contact the company at 1-888-222-6036 and also at www.mcneilproductrecall.com1. Parents and caregivers who are not sure about alternative pediatric health treatment options should talk to their doctor or pharmacist and are reminded to never give drug products to infants and children that are not intended for those age groups as this could result in serious harm
For additional information, including affected NDC numbers, consumers should visit our website www.mcneilproductrecall.com or call 1-888-222-6036 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). Any adverse reactions may also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, by mail at MedWatch, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch2.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNeil-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known OTC products.
PRODUCTS NDC Number
TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-144-01
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR* 50580-144-15
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. CHERRY DYE FREE 50580-167-01
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-143-15
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-143-30
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. GRAPE - HOSPITAL 50580-144-18
CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.25 OZ. GRAPE - SAMPLE 50580-144-40
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSIONS
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 2 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR 50580-123-02
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR 50580-123-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-166-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. GRAPE SPLASH 50580-296-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-407-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. VERY BERRY STRAWBERRY FLAVOR 50580-493-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR – SAMPLE 50580-123-01
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. CHERRY BLAST FLAVOR – HOSPITAL 50580-123-03
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSIONS
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COUGH & SORE THROAT CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-247-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COUGH & RUNNY NOSE CHERRY FLAVOR 50580-249-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD & STUFFY NOSE GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-253-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD & COUGH GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-254-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS DYE-FREE SUSPENSION 4 OZ. MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-255-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. FLU BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-386-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-387-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD & ALLERGY BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-390-04
CHILDREN’S TYLENOL® PLUS SUSPENSION 4 OZ. MULTI-SYMPTOM COLD GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-391-04
MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS
CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 1 OZ. BERRY DYE FREE 50580-198-01
CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. BERRY DYE FREE 50580-198-15
CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR* 50580-100-15
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSIONS
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BERRY DYE FREE 50580-184-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 2 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR 50580-601-02
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR 50580-601-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. TROPICAL PUNCH FLAVOR 50580-215-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR 50580-603-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM FLAVOR 50580-604-04
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. GRAPE SAMPLE 50580-603-01
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. BUBBLEGUM SAMPLE 50580-604-01
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 1 OZ. BERRY SAMPLE 50580-601-01
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. BERRY HOSPITAL 50580-601-50
CHILDREN’S MOTRIN® SUSPENSION 4 OZ. COLD BERRY FLAVOR 50580-902-04
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® LIQUIDS IN BOTTLES
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM SYRUP 50580-721-04
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® DYE FREE 4 OZ. GRAPE SYRUP 50580-730-04
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® SUGAR-FREE DYE-FREE 0.5 OZ. GRAPE 50580-730-15
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® SUGAR-FREE DYE-FREE 0.5 OZ. BUBBLEGUM 50580-721-15
CHILDREN’S ZYRTEC® SUGAR-FREE DYE-FREE 2 X 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM LIQUID 50580-721-08
CHILDREN'S BENADRYL® ALLERGY LIQUIDS IN BOTTLES
CHILDREN'S BENADRYL® ALLERGY 4 OZ. BUBBLEGUM FLAVORED LIQUID 50580-535-04
* CONCENTRATED TYLENOL® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. GRAPE FLAVOR is also included in JOHNSON'S ® Baby Relief Kit.
*CONCENTRATED MOTRIN® INFANTS’ DROPS 0.5 OZ. BERRY FLAVOR is also included in JOHNSON'S ® Baby Relief Kit
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Vacation Safety Tips
In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with you and your child’s safety. With vacation season fast approaching, it is a good idea to be fully prepared for family vacations. Family vacations can and should be great fun. Quality family time and the adventures and excitement shared by your family will create memories that will last a lifetime. One way to be sure those memories are pleasant memories, is to plan ahead for safety. Below are some tips from healthguidance.org to keep you and your family safe on your vacation.
Tip #1 -- Check the Safety of Your Hotel Room
You keep your home safe but that doesn’t mean that every hotel you stay at will be as safe as your home. Check for:
1. Faulty wiring
2. Unsafe stairways and railing
3. Poisonous substances mistakenly left in the room
Tip #2 -- Travel First Aid Kit
Be prepared for anything because when travelling with children, anything can and probably will happen. Keep your travel first aid kit small, but include a small sampling of everything you would keep at home such as:
1. Assorted bandages
2. Antiseptic ointment
3. Allergy and cold medicines
4. Motion sickness medication
5. Anti-diarrheal medicine
6. Syrup of ipecac - for poisoning
7. Cough medicine
8. Insect repellant
9. Sun screen
10. Thermometer
11. Pain relief medication
It is also helpful to keep emergency contact numbers in your travel first aid kit. These numbers should include family members who should be contacted in the event of an emergency; your family physician and a list of family medical conditions and allergies to medicine.
Tip #3 -- Food and Water
Food and water related illnesses are common when traveling. Before leaving home, talk to your children about being careful when it comes to eating and drinking. Instruct them to only drink bottled water and not to eat anything without asking you first.
Also instruct your children to wash their hands frequently while traveling especially before eating.
Remember to use bottled water when it comes time to brush teeth. Even though your children don’t drink the water while brushing, if the water is contaminated, it will still get into your child’s system.
Be wary of seafood, undercooked meats, fresh, raw fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized dairy products. All of these have to potential to carry bacteria that is fine for the people living in that area, but that your child’s digestive system can’t handle.
Tip #4 -- Vaccinations
Before leaving on your trip, make sure your children’s vaccinations are up to date. You never know what you may come in contact with or when your child will step on a rusty nail. Be prepared and make sure they are protected by the proper vaccinations.
Tip #5 from Ident-A-Kid
Always remember to keep your child’s Ident-A-Kid identification card close at hand at all times. Make sure all adults accompanying you on vacation have a copy of your child’s Ident-A-Kid card with them at all times as well.
Making sure to have this could aid in quickly and easily locating your child in the event that he or she goes missing.
By being prepared and discussing these safety issues with your children, you can be sure you family will not only have a great vacation, but a safe one. Be sure to remember some of these vacation safety tips ;)
To find out more about vacation safety, please visit www.healthguidance.org
To find out more about Ident-A-Kid cards and child safety, please visit www.identakid.com
Tip #1 -- Check the Safety of Your Hotel Room
You keep your home safe but that doesn’t mean that every hotel you stay at will be as safe as your home. Check for:
1. Faulty wiring
2. Unsafe stairways and railing
3. Poisonous substances mistakenly left in the room
Tip #2 -- Travel First Aid Kit
Be prepared for anything because when travelling with children, anything can and probably will happen. Keep your travel first aid kit small, but include a small sampling of everything you would keep at home such as:
1. Assorted bandages
2. Antiseptic ointment
3. Allergy and cold medicines
4. Motion sickness medication
5. Anti-diarrheal medicine
6. Syrup of ipecac - for poisoning
7. Cough medicine
8. Insect repellant
9. Sun screen
10. Thermometer
11. Pain relief medication
It is also helpful to keep emergency contact numbers in your travel first aid kit. These numbers should include family members who should be contacted in the event of an emergency; your family physician and a list of family medical conditions and allergies to medicine.
Tip #3 -- Food and Water
Food and water related illnesses are common when traveling. Before leaving home, talk to your children about being careful when it comes to eating and drinking. Instruct them to only drink bottled water and not to eat anything without asking you first.
Also instruct your children to wash their hands frequently while traveling especially before eating.
Remember to use bottled water when it comes time to brush teeth. Even though your children don’t drink the water while brushing, if the water is contaminated, it will still get into your child’s system.
Be wary of seafood, undercooked meats, fresh, raw fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized dairy products. All of these have to potential to carry bacteria that is fine for the people living in that area, but that your child’s digestive system can’t handle.
Tip #4 -- Vaccinations
Before leaving on your trip, make sure your children’s vaccinations are up to date. You never know what you may come in contact with or when your child will step on a rusty nail. Be prepared and make sure they are protected by the proper vaccinations.
Tip #5 from Ident-A-Kid
Always remember to keep your child’s Ident-A-Kid identification card close at hand at all times. Make sure all adults accompanying you on vacation have a copy of your child’s Ident-A-Kid card with them at all times as well.
Making sure to have this could aid in quickly and easily locating your child in the event that he or she goes missing.
By being prepared and discussing these safety issues with your children, you can be sure you family will not only have a great vacation, but a safe one. Be sure to remember some of these vacation safety tips ;)
To find out more about vacation safety, please visit www.healthguidance.org
To find out more about Ident-A-Kid cards and child safety, please visit www.identakid.com
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Amber Alert Guidelines
In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid want you to know the criteria guidelines for issuing an Amber Alert. We think this is important because every parent should know what to do and when to do it when their child is missing. Remember, in addition to these guidelines, it is also important to have an Ident-A-Kid card. Also, another important and useful tool is Ident-A-Kid’s new eKid-ID. eKid-ID is an electronic version of the Ident-A-Kid card that is sent to your phone as a picture message. The eKid-ID can be sent to friends and neighbors in the event that your child is missing. It can also be useful to law enforcement efforts to recover your lost child. To find out more about Ident-A-Kid and our new eKid-ID, please visit our website at www.identakid.com. Below are some helpful guidelines and tips for issuing an Amber Alert, from amberalert.gov.
Guidelines for Issuing AMBER Alerts
Every successful AMBER plan contains clearly defined activation criteria. The following guidance is designed to achieve a uniform, interoperable network of plans across the country, and to minimize potentially deadly delays because of confusion among varying jurisdictions. The following are criteria recommendations:
Law Enforcement Confirms an Abduction
AMBER plans require law enforcement to confirm an abduction prior to issuing an alert. This is essential when determining the level of risk to the child. Clearly, stranger abductions are the most dangerous for children and thus are primary to the mission of an AMBER Alert. To allow activations in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness. At the same time, each case must be appraised on its own merits and a judgment call made quickly. Law enforcement must understand that a “best judgment” approach, based on the evidence, is appropriate and necessary.
Risk of Serious Bodily Injury or Death
Plans require a child be at risk for serious bodily harm or death before an alert can be issued. This element is clearly related to law enforcement’s recognition that stranger abductions represent the greatest danger to children. The need for timely, accurate information based on strict and clearly understood criteria is critical, again keeping in mind the “best judgment” approach.
Sufficient Descriptive Information
For an AMBER Alert to be effective in recovering a missing child, the law enforcement agency must have enough information to believe that an immediate broadcast to the public will enhance the efforts of law enforcement to locate the child and apprehend the suspect. This element requires as much descriptive information as possible about the abducted child and the abduction, as well as descriptive information about the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. Issuing alerts in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness.
An Ident-A-Kid card and an eKid-ID are important tools in the aid of having a detailed description of your child and a picture of your child. With the eKid-ID, law enforcement can have a digital picture of your child that you both can circulate in order to increase your chances of finding your child.
Age of Child
Every state adopt the “17 years of age or younger” standard; or, at a minimum, agree to honor the request of any other state to issue an AMBER Alert, even if the case does not meet the responding state’s age criterion, as long as it meets the age criterion of the requesting state. Most AMBER plans call for activation of the alert for children under a certain age. The problem is that age can vary---some plans specify 10, some 12, some 14, 15, and 16. Differences in age requirements create confusion when an activation requires multiple alerts across states and jurisdictions. Overuse of the AMBER Alert system will undermine its effectiveness as a tool for recovering abducted children.
NCIC Data Entry
Immediately enter AMBER Alert data into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. Text information describing the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the child should be entered, and the case flagged as a Child Abduction. Many plans do not mandate entry of the data into NCIC, but this omission undermines the entire mission of the AMBER Alert initiative. The notation on the entry should be sufficient to explain the circumstances of the disappearance of the child. Entry of the alert data into NCIC expands the search for an abducted child from the local, state, or regional level to the national. This is a critical element of any effective AMBER Alert plan.
For more information about Amber Alerts and guidelines, please visit http://www.amberalert.gov/guidelines.htm
For more information about Child Identification and Ident-A-Kid, please visit www.identakid.com
Guidelines for Issuing AMBER Alerts
Every successful AMBER plan contains clearly defined activation criteria. The following guidance is designed to achieve a uniform, interoperable network of plans across the country, and to minimize potentially deadly delays because of confusion among varying jurisdictions. The following are criteria recommendations:
Law Enforcement Confirms an Abduction
AMBER plans require law enforcement to confirm an abduction prior to issuing an alert. This is essential when determining the level of risk to the child. Clearly, stranger abductions are the most dangerous for children and thus are primary to the mission of an AMBER Alert. To allow activations in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness. At the same time, each case must be appraised on its own merits and a judgment call made quickly. Law enforcement must understand that a “best judgment” approach, based on the evidence, is appropriate and necessary.
Risk of Serious Bodily Injury or Death
Plans require a child be at risk for serious bodily harm or death before an alert can be issued. This element is clearly related to law enforcement’s recognition that stranger abductions represent the greatest danger to children. The need for timely, accurate information based on strict and clearly understood criteria is critical, again keeping in mind the “best judgment” approach.
Sufficient Descriptive Information
For an AMBER Alert to be effective in recovering a missing child, the law enforcement agency must have enough information to believe that an immediate broadcast to the public will enhance the efforts of law enforcement to locate the child and apprehend the suspect. This element requires as much descriptive information as possible about the abducted child and the abduction, as well as descriptive information about the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle. Issuing alerts in the absence of significant information that an abduction has occurred could lead to abuse of the system and ultimately weaken its effectiveness.
An Ident-A-Kid card and an eKid-ID are important tools in the aid of having a detailed description of your child and a picture of your child. With the eKid-ID, law enforcement can have a digital picture of your child that you both can circulate in order to increase your chances of finding your child.
Age of Child
Every state adopt the “17 years of age or younger” standard; or, at a minimum, agree to honor the request of any other state to issue an AMBER Alert, even if the case does not meet the responding state’s age criterion, as long as it meets the age criterion of the requesting state. Most AMBER plans call for activation of the alert for children under a certain age. The problem is that age can vary---some plans specify 10, some 12, some 14, 15, and 16. Differences in age requirements create confusion when an activation requires multiple alerts across states and jurisdictions. Overuse of the AMBER Alert system will undermine its effectiveness as a tool for recovering abducted children.
NCIC Data Entry
Immediately enter AMBER Alert data into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system. Text information describing the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the child should be entered, and the case flagged as a Child Abduction. Many plans do not mandate entry of the data into NCIC, but this omission undermines the entire mission of the AMBER Alert initiative. The notation on the entry should be sufficient to explain the circumstances of the disappearance of the child. Entry of the alert data into NCIC expands the search for an abducted child from the local, state, or regional level to the national. This is a critical element of any effective AMBER Alert plan.
For more information about Amber Alerts and guidelines, please visit http://www.amberalert.gov/guidelines.htm
For more information about Child Identification and Ident-A-Kid, please visit www.identakid.com
Thursday, April 15, 2010
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
In addition to Child Identification, we here at Ident-A-Kid are also concerned with your child’s physical well being. Because April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we have found some information from the Child Welfare Information Gateway, about prevention programs that you can use in order to make sure your children and the children in your community are kept safe.
The statistics can feel overwhelming. In 2006, an estimated 905,000 children in the United States were found to be victims of child abuse and neglect. However, child abuse and neglect can be prevented. State and local governments, community organizations, and private citizens take action every day to protect children. You can help.
Research has shown that parents and caregivers who have support—from family, friends, neighbors, and their communities—are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for their children. When parents lack this support or feel isolated, on the other hand, they may be more likely to make poor decisions that can lead to neglect or abuse.
Increasingly, concerned citizens and organizations are realizing that the best way to prevent child abuse is to help parents develop the skills and identify the resources they need to understand and meet their children's emotional, physical, and developmental needs and protect their children from harm.
Prevention Programs
Prevention activities are conducted by many State, local, and Tribal governments, as well as community and faith-based organizations. The services they provide vary widely.
Some prevention services are intended for everyone, such as public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at raising awareness about child abuse within the general population. Others are specifically targeted for individuals and families who may be at greater risk of child abuse or neglect. An example of this might be a parenting class for single teen mothers. Some services are developed specifically for families where abuse or neglect has already occurred, to reduce the negative effects of the abuse and prevent it from happening again.
Common activities of prevention programs include:
Public awareness, such as PSAs, posters, and brochures that promote healthy parenting, child safety, and how to report suspected abuse
Skills-based curricula that teach children safety and protection skills. Many of these programs focus on preventing sexual abuse
Parent education to help parents develop positive parenting skills and decrease behaviors associated with child abuse and neglect
Parent support groups, where parents work together to strengthen their families and build social networks
Home visitation, which focuses on enhancing child safety by helping pregnant mothers and families with new babies or young children learn more about positive parenting and child development
Respite and crisis care programs, which offer temporary relief to caregivers in stressful situations by providing short-term care for their children
Family resource centers, which work with community members to develop a variety of services to meet the specific needs of the people who live in surrounding neighborhoods.
Two elements have been shown to make prevention programs more effective, regardless of the type of service or intended recipients. Involving parents in all aspects of program planning, implementation, and evaluation helps ensure that service providers are working in true partnership with families. Parents are more likely to make lasting changes when they are empowered to identify solutions that make sense for them.
Another key to success is providing prevention services that are evidence based. This means that rather than relying on assumptions or "common sense," research has been conducted to demonstrate that a particular service improves outcomes for children and families. This helps service providers feel confident in what they are doing. It can also help justify a program's continued funding when resources are scarce.
Protective Factors
Prevention programs have long focused on reducing particular risk factors, or conditions that have been found through research to be associated with child abuse and neglect in families. Increasingly, prevention services are also recognizing the importance of promoting protective factors, conditions in families and communities that research has shown to increase the health and well-being of children and families. These factors help parents who might otherwise be at risk of abusing or neglecting their children to find resources, supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress.
The following protective factors have been linked to a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect:
Nurturing and attachment. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that parents will provide what they need to thrive.
Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development. Parents who understand how children grow and develop can provide an environment where children can live up to their potential.
Parental resilience. Parents who are emotionally resilient have a positive attitude, creatively problem solve, effectively address challenges, and are less likely to direct anger and frustration at their children.
Social connections. Trusted and caring family friends provide emotional support to parents by offering encouragement and assistance in facing the daily challenges of raising a family.
Concrete supports for parents. Parents need basic resources such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and access to essential services that address family-specific needs (such as child care, health care, and mental health services) to ensure the health and well-being of their children.
How You Can Help
Parenting is one of the toughest and most important jobs in America, and we all have a stake in ensuring that parents have access to the resources and support they need to be successful. Entire communities play a role in helping families find the strength they need to raise safe, healthy, and productive children.
Here are some things you can do:
Get to know your neighbors. Problems seem less overwhelming when support is nearby.
Help a family under stress. Offer to babysit, help with chores and errands, or suggest resources in the community that can help.
Reach out to children in your community. A smile or a word of encouragement can mean a lot, whether it comes from a parent or a passing stranger.
Be an active community member. Lend a hand at local schools, community or faith-based organizations, children's hospitals, social service agencies, or other places where families and children are supported.
Keep your neighborhood safe. Start a Neighborhood Watch or plan a local "National Night Out" community event. You will get to know your neighbors while helping to keep your neighborhood and children safe.
Learn how to recognize and report signs of child abuse and neglect. Reporting your concerns may protect a child and get help for a family who needs it.
For more information about this topic, please visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway at www.childwelfare.gov
For more information about child identification and safety, please visit our website at www.identakid.com
The statistics can feel overwhelming. In 2006, an estimated 905,000 children in the United States were found to be victims of child abuse and neglect. However, child abuse and neglect can be prevented. State and local governments, community organizations, and private citizens take action every day to protect children. You can help.
Research has shown that parents and caregivers who have support—from family, friends, neighbors, and their communities—are more likely to provide safe and healthy homes for their children. When parents lack this support or feel isolated, on the other hand, they may be more likely to make poor decisions that can lead to neglect or abuse.
Increasingly, concerned citizens and organizations are realizing that the best way to prevent child abuse is to help parents develop the skills and identify the resources they need to understand and meet their children's emotional, physical, and developmental needs and protect their children from harm.
Prevention Programs
Prevention activities are conducted by many State, local, and Tribal governments, as well as community and faith-based organizations. The services they provide vary widely.
Some prevention services are intended for everyone, such as public service announcements (PSAs) aimed at raising awareness about child abuse within the general population. Others are specifically targeted for individuals and families who may be at greater risk of child abuse or neglect. An example of this might be a parenting class for single teen mothers. Some services are developed specifically for families where abuse or neglect has already occurred, to reduce the negative effects of the abuse and prevent it from happening again.
Common activities of prevention programs include:
Public awareness, such as PSAs, posters, and brochures that promote healthy parenting, child safety, and how to report suspected abuse
Skills-based curricula that teach children safety and protection skills. Many of these programs focus on preventing sexual abuse
Parent education to help parents develop positive parenting skills and decrease behaviors associated with child abuse and neglect
Parent support groups, where parents work together to strengthen their families and build social networks
Home visitation, which focuses on enhancing child safety by helping pregnant mothers and families with new babies or young children learn more about positive parenting and child development
Respite and crisis care programs, which offer temporary relief to caregivers in stressful situations by providing short-term care for their children
Family resource centers, which work with community members to develop a variety of services to meet the specific needs of the people who live in surrounding neighborhoods.
Two elements have been shown to make prevention programs more effective, regardless of the type of service or intended recipients. Involving parents in all aspects of program planning, implementation, and evaluation helps ensure that service providers are working in true partnership with families. Parents are more likely to make lasting changes when they are empowered to identify solutions that make sense for them.
Another key to success is providing prevention services that are evidence based. This means that rather than relying on assumptions or "common sense," research has been conducted to demonstrate that a particular service improves outcomes for children and families. This helps service providers feel confident in what they are doing. It can also help justify a program's continued funding when resources are scarce.
Protective Factors
Prevention programs have long focused on reducing particular risk factors, or conditions that have been found through research to be associated with child abuse and neglect in families. Increasingly, prevention services are also recognizing the importance of promoting protective factors, conditions in families and communities that research has shown to increase the health and well-being of children and families. These factors help parents who might otherwise be at risk of abusing or neglecting their children to find resources, supports, or coping strategies that allow them to parent effectively, even under stress.
The following protective factors have been linked to a lower incidence of child abuse and neglect:
Nurturing and attachment. When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that parents will provide what they need to thrive.
Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development. Parents who understand how children grow and develop can provide an environment where children can live up to their potential.
Parental resilience. Parents who are emotionally resilient have a positive attitude, creatively problem solve, effectively address challenges, and are less likely to direct anger and frustration at their children.
Social connections. Trusted and caring family friends provide emotional support to parents by offering encouragement and assistance in facing the daily challenges of raising a family.
Concrete supports for parents. Parents need basic resources such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and access to essential services that address family-specific needs (such as child care, health care, and mental health services) to ensure the health and well-being of their children.
How You Can Help
Parenting is one of the toughest and most important jobs in America, and we all have a stake in ensuring that parents have access to the resources and support they need to be successful. Entire communities play a role in helping families find the strength they need to raise safe, healthy, and productive children.
Here are some things you can do:
Get to know your neighbors. Problems seem less overwhelming when support is nearby.
Help a family under stress. Offer to babysit, help with chores and errands, or suggest resources in the community that can help.
Reach out to children in your community. A smile or a word of encouragement can mean a lot, whether it comes from a parent or a passing stranger.
Be an active community member. Lend a hand at local schools, community or faith-based organizations, children's hospitals, social service agencies, or other places where families and children are supported.
Keep your neighborhood safe. Start a Neighborhood Watch or plan a local "National Night Out" community event. You will get to know your neighbors while helping to keep your neighborhood and children safe.
Learn how to recognize and report signs of child abuse and neglect. Reporting your concerns may protect a child and get help for a family who needs it.
For more information about this topic, please visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway at www.childwelfare.gov
For more information about child identification and safety, please visit our website at www.identakid.com
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