Trying times — such as the forecast of the local and national economic picture — could mean parents should prepare themselves to ensure they don’t pass on stress to their children. That’s according to Rosie Carrillo, secretary at the Kaua‘i
Trying times — such as the forecast of the local and national economic picture — could mean parents should prepare themselves to ensure they don’t pass on stress to their children.
That’s according to Rosie Carrillo, secretary at the Kaua‘i Children’s Justice Center. The KCJC hosted its open house Thursday for its affiliated community partners and residents interested in the welfare of children.
The open house was in conjunction with April being observed as the 25th annual National Prevent Child Abuse Month.
Sponsors were Mark’s Place and Contemporary Flavors Catering and Icing on the Cake.
“This is not just a Kaua‘i event,” Carrillo said. “Child abuse prevention is a national program.”
Carrillo said with a resort closing for several months and two major airlines closing down, people will be facing stress from loss of income — a factor that can contribute to child abuse.
Some of the tips she had available to prevent such occurrences as shaken baby syndrome include remembering the 10-foot rule, writing down at least three reasons why you are a good parent, and remembering that babies do cry.
The 10-foot rule, according to the state department of social and health services, is ensuring when angry or frustrated that a baby is in a safe place and to then stay 10 feet away from the baby, until calmed down.
Parents have reported that this simple rule has changed their lives and kept their children safe.
The “I’m a good parent list” should be posted where you can see it, according to the department Web site, and it should be referred to on the most challenging of days. Another list the site recommends is five reasons you love your baby — a list that also should be kept posted somewhere easily accessible.
A complete list is available at the KCJC located at Dynasty Court, located just north of the Home Depot and west of the Kukui Grove Shopping Center.
The center recently installed new recording equipment to replace the existing VHS
system which had to be manually started up, said Tom French, project director for the KCJC.
The new state-of-the-art recording system replaces the VHS tape cartridge and records to DVDs, doing all three required copies at the same time.
French said all five justice centers received the new equipment through a grant from the American BAR Association, and the one on Kaua‘i is so new, training on it will start later this month.
“In the old system, if you left your finger on the PLAY button too long, it would create a delay,” French said. “But we need three copies, and to try and start all the recording decks at the same time created its own set of problems.”
Along with the new computerized recording system, the interview rooms were equipped with more sensitive microphones and cameras which are compatible with the system.
“At this point, we’re in a transition,” French said of the new equipment. “We’ll be using it once we get the training, but we’ll also continue to use the VHS system as a backup in the event something happens with the new system.”
He added that from an operational standpoint, the switch over from VHS tapes to DVDs will save due to the costs of the two media.
The interview rooms were upgraded last year, and with the help of Jeanette Otsuka Chang, new furniture gave it a more homey and friendly atmosphere.
In addition to the new recording system, French said Kaua‘i will be undertaking a national level training program starting Tuesday.
Titled “Assessing and Treating Child Trauma in a Variety of Settings,” French said the leaders of the program, Dr. Robert Geffner and Dr. Leslie Ross, are nationally known for their work on child abuse and trauma.
French said the national-level workshops are done through the Kaua‘i Children’s Justice Grant Committee at least once a year.
He added that they were lucky for this upcoming series since Geffner was already on O‘ahu for another presentation. Earlier in the year, French said the KCJC hosted a workshop which featured prosecutors who specialize in child abuse.
The five Children’s Justice Centers of Hawai‘i are programs of the Judiciary Department, State of Hawai‘i. They are also accredited members of the National Children’s Alliance, an organization of more than 600 Children’s Advocacy Centers across America, according to a KCJC prepared statement.
The statement also cites approximately 6,000 cases of child abuse reported annually in Hawai‘i, and that the CJC in Hawai‘i receive about 1,200 reports on average of sexual abuse each year. Of these victims, 75 percent are female and 25 percent are male.
The statement further goes on to say that only about 33 percent of all child abuse is reported. Sixty-six percent of victims never tell during childhood and 85 percent of all victims know their abuser. Nationwide, approximately 500,000 children were abused last year.
The goal of the KCJC is to provide a child-friendly, victim-focused facility where child victims and supportive family members can begin the healing process. The intent is to reduce trauma to the victim by reducing the number of times they are required to retell and recall their abuse.
In addition to the services of the KCJC, the Friends of the KCJC helps raise funds for program enhancements of services provided by the Children’s Justice Center.
Sue Strickland, one of the Friends, said they will be hosting the second annual “Treasure Our Child” fundraiser in June at the Kaua‘i Marriott.
“Last year’s event was very successful with funds being raised through the Silent Auction,” Strickland said. “We’ll be doing it, again, with a date to be announced, soon.”
“Needs Enhancements” are usually initiated by a professional or volunteer working with the child and family and requests range from athletic fees or equipment to orthodontia services.
These needs have been filled in the past 16 years due to the efforts of the Friends of the Children’s Justice Centers and has provided thousands of children with “enhancements” to make their life a little brighter.
For help
The KCJC will provide information and referral services to anyone who needs assistance. For more information, call 241-3590.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
