President Bush proclaimed April 2006 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting the importance of child protection and prosperity, an issue which is actively advocated year-round through a number of services provided through the Ventura County College District.
“Helping children requires a commitment from other family members, as well as individualsand organizations in every community,” the president said in an address to the nation last March.
Unfortunately, not all parents have the means to be adequate providers. Responding to this concern, Child Development programs are offered at not only Moorpark but at Oxnard and Ventura campuses as well, and offer community members the opportunity to dually achieve success as parents and as college students. Not only do these programs aid in the direct development of children while parents advance in higher education,but on a larger scale such programs work to prevent the development of factors which might give way to abuse in the future.
Dr. Kathleen Van Antwerp, an instructor at Moorpark College’s Child Development Center, is currently planning an event regarding child abuse awareness to be held at CSU Northridge on May 6, and invites students throughout our college district.
The event encourages community members to “stand united to protect our children, and learn our roles and responsibilities as mandated reporters,” Van Antwerp said.
These responsibilities are reflected in policies upheld by the Child Development Center which commit to taking action in the case of suspected abuse or mistreatment, beginning with approaching the parent, and extending as far as bringing a third party to ensure the welfare of any child.
However, not only young children are susceptible to abuse. In response to the problem of abuse, the Student Health Centersat all three campuses offer students private counseling, information, and hotline contacts for those who wish to seek help or information elsewhere or in seclusion.
Student privacy is addressed and legally protected, ensuring that SHC medical and counseling records are confidential,and unrelated to academic records.At Moorpark College’s Student Health Center, students who seek private counsel are attended to by licensed psychologist,as well as an additional staff of personal counselors.
The Oxnard College SHC offers many services that cater to needs relative to abuse intervention and prevention. A Family Practice Physician provides medical evaluations and child-development physicals; a nurse practitioner provides gynecological care for women’s health, and counselingis available for personal topics such as and relating to abuse.
To make an appointment or seek any additional information, visit the Child Development Centers or Student Health Centers, or call the Moorpark SHC at (805) 378-1413, and the Ventura SHC at (805) 654-6346.
