By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

THE Guam Child Protective Services received 1,267 referrals involving 1,808 children who were suspected of being abused and neglected. Most of these children were reported to be physically abused, according to the Department of Health and Social Services.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect, and encourage individuals and communities to support children and affected families.
Guam joins the national observance with Gov. Felix P. Camacho signing a proclamation declaring Child Abuse Prevention Month in Guam, adopting this year’s theme “Promoting Healthy Families in Your Community.”
Nurturing and effective parenting are critical to children’s development, health and lifelong well-being.
“The majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are entirely preventable in an engaged and supportive community,” health director Arthur San Agustin said.
The community can help prevent child abuse and neglect by recognizing the risk factors, protecting children who are at risk, and supporting families who are experiencing stresses, San Agustin said.
He said reporting the situation will protect the child and help the family.
“When children are supported by their community, children are less likely to be at risk for child maltreatment and more likely to grow up happy and healthy,” he added.
The department identifies five important factors that can help families protect children from abuse and neglect: they are nurturing and attachment; knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development; parental resilience; social connections; and concrete supports for parents.