In Virginia, almost 8,000 children are in foster care. Approximately 50% are 13 and older. These kids are in urgent need of foster parents and, for many of them, a forever family. May is National Foster Care Month - consider becomming a foster parent.
In recognition of those who care for young children, Governor Timothy Kaine has proclaimed May 9, 2008, as Early Childhood Professionals Day in Virginia. Through education, training, program administration and advocacy, they invest in our most precious resource - our children. Our thanks to all early childhood professionals who are building the future, child by child, day by day.
Protect yourself
Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted in the U.S. To heighten public awareness about sexual assaults VDSS' Office of Family Violence offers a list of safety tips to help you protect yourself. For information or help, call the Virginia Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-838-8238.
Resources:
• Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assualt Hotline » Web page • Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance » Web page • Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network » Web page • More Domestic Violence (DV) resources » Web page
Did you know...
...that in Virginia alone:
• A child is abused every 81 minutes • A child witnesses domestic violence every five hours • A child aged 19 or under is murdered every six days • A child dies from abuse or neglect every 13 days
Find out more about child abuse and what you can do to prevent it:
• Prevent Child Abuse Virginia » Web page • The Family & Childrens Trust Fund of Virginia » Web page
