Parent support and hotlines available year-round for immediate help

Editor's note: The brochure “20 Ways to Cope With a Crying Baby” along with phone numbers and Web sites offering services to parents are provided, click here to view (.pdf).

December 29, 2006

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — The holidays can be a very joyful time. But for many families, the holidays can be stressful and even dangerous for children. Because child abuse cases tend to increase this time of year, UC Davis Children's Hospital child abuse prevention specialists are joining forces with community organizations to raise awareness, prevent injuries and remind families that community resources are available to help.

“While the holiday period is a time of immense joy for many families, it is also a time of overwhelming stress for others who are faced with extra pressures from financial difficulties, job layoffs, relationship problems or mental health issues like depression,” said Deborah Stewart, medical director of the CAARE Diagnostic and Treatment Center. “Alcohol and other drug use can add to these stressors. And children often can become the unintended victims of outbursts of physical violence. This is a very important time for all of us to reach out to families who are most in need of social supports.”

Shaken Baby Syndrome is among the most common injuries that Stewart treats. Caused by shaking infants and children, often to stop them from crying, it causes severe bleeding in the brain and the eyes and can lead to blindness, brain damage and death.

Patrick Mangan, program manager of Sacramento County's Birth and Beyond program, echoes Stewart's concerns and urges parents and caregivers to ask for help.

“It's important to talk with someone,” said Mangan, whose organization specializes in linking families in crisis with community resources. “There are options available for immediate, nonjudgmental support. If you need someone to talk to or want to find out about available services, visit any Birth and Beyond family center. Or please call one of the two hotlines available in the Sacramento area.”

The Parent Support Line (888-281-3000) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for immediate counseling.

The Crisis Nursery provides a variety of resources and referrals, including short-term child care in crisis situations, in north (916-679-3600) and south (916-394-2000) Sacramento.

Birth and Beyond provides free support services to Sacramento County families at eight resource centers. Available services include parenting classes, substance abuse resources, mental health resources and family activities. For information or to locate the closest resource center, visit www.birth-beyond.com.

The CAARE (Child and Adolescent Abuse Resources and Evaluation Diagnostic) Center of UC Davis Children's Hospital provides medical and psychological services to children who become ill or injured as a result of parental abuse or neglect. The center's infant mental health program supports a strong and nurturing relationship between babies and toddlers and their primary caregivers. For information, visit www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/caare.

The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento designs and administers a wide range of prevention services such as respite care for high-risk families. For information, visit  www.capcsac.org.