April is national child abuse and neglect awareness and prevention month. Sadly, the news continues to be filled with heartbreaking incidents of children being abused locally and nationally. In Hawaii, many children were sexually abused by their teachers, coaches and doctors both in public and private schools. Names like Peter Boy, Talia, Reef, Treshawn, Shaelynn and so many others who were abused or killed at the hands of their parents, stepparents, or caretakers, must be forever remembered.

Last fiscal year in 2017, there were 3,711 reports of child abuse and neglect in Hawaii and 1,354 were confirmed. There were 2,688 children in foster care in 2017. Experts estimate that only 20-50 percent of actual abuse ever get reported. As a society, we are not protecting our children.

Children do not live in a vacuum. They are usually seen by neighbors, relatives, teachers, coaches, doctors, dentists, child care providers, etc. Most are mandated by law to report any suspected abuse or neglect but many fail to do so.

That is why P.A.R.E.N.T.S., Inc. is providing a free professional workshop on “Mandated Reporting: Identifying, Reporting and Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect” to teachers, daycare providers, nurses, coaches, school principals and administrative personnel, afterschool providers, counselors and school bus drivers. If space is available, therapists or anyone who provides direct or advocacy services within our community may also apply. The workshop on Oahu will be held May 12 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; this same workshop will be offered in Hilo at a later date.

Child abuse and neglect is a serious public health problem. Children are our future and we as a society need to decide what kind of society we want for our future generations. None of us want to have a loved one become a victim of violence.

Research shows that most perpetrators of crimes against persons grew up being abused or neglected as a child. A victim of violence as a child is 30 percent more likely to engage in violence, and as many as 80 percent will suffer from mental issues and they also have an increased risk of abusing alcohol and drugs. They are also most likely to raise their own children the same way, carrying on the cycle of abuse.

While a recent federal study indicated that Hawaii’s child welfare system still needs improvement, we should all be grateful to the hundreds of dedicated social workers, judges, foster parents and others in both the public and private sector who work in child welfare to keep our keiki safe and help victims cope with trauma. They cannot do it alone. To report suspected abuse or neglect, call the state Department of Human Services Child abuse reporting line at 832-5300. Advocate for more funding for child welfare services, volunteer or make a donation to a nonprofit agency.

There is help available for parents. We must strengthen families, the foundation of our society. Some parents need support and lack the knowledge and skills to raise their children in a positive way and need help. When people know better, they do better. P.A.R.EN.T.S., Inc. offers parenting support, education and counseling to prevent and stop child abuse and neglect.

Kathi Kreinik is board treasurer for P.A.R.E.N.TS, Inc.