In an effort to raise awareness of child abuse risks during these stressful times, the Tulsa Area United Way, Child Abuse Network, Parent Child Center and Family and Children’s Services have partnered with local businesses to distribute important phone numbers and website information that can help keep children safe.
A comprehensive website with child abuse prevention resources has been established at www.LookoutReachout.net.
The following companies are participating in the Look Out Reach Out initiative:
- Throughout July, QuikTrip will place Look Out Reach Out flyers at brochure racks located at all QT filling stations in the area.
- Reasor’s grocery stores are currently making flyers available to customers at check-out.
- Goodwill stores and Supermercados Morelos have also joined the effort and will hand out flyers to their customers.
“Child abuse prevention resources will be placed directly in the hands of people who may need the information, and we are grateful for businesses stepping in to ensure this outreach reaches as many people as possible.” said Krista Hemme, Chief Marketing Officer with Tulsa Area United Way.
QuikTrip and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma paid for printing costs. Propeller Communications, Scrambler Creative Services, Barnes Digital Agency and Synergy Marketing Solutions donated consulting services for the campaign.
Child welfare experts say during periods of social distancing, many children are at higher levels of risk than normal. Families are under a great deal of stress and can take frustrations out on children.
The Look Out, Reach Out team advises all families to keep the following tips in mind during this time:
- Have a safety plan in mind and act on it before stress becomes overwhelming
- Keep an eye on any individuals and families who are struggling
- Try to visually see the child or children in any way possible
- If the stress is difficult, call the COPES emotional support line at 918.744.4800
Any concerns over child safety can be reported anonymously to the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511. Proof is not necessary to report a concern.
Look Out Reach Out Partners
About Child Abuse Network
The Child Abuse Network began as a project in 1986 with the Junior League of Tulsa before becoming an official organization in 1988. It provides collaborative services through the Children’s Advocacy Center where a multi-disciplinary team approach to child abuse investigations is employed. By offering all the investigative services under one roof with the child’s welfare and emotional well-being as the focus, CAN helps to reduce the trauma for children and their families involved in child abuse investigations. For these children, CAN is a safe place to come, be heard and be helped. In fiscal year, 2019, CAN provide services for nearly 1,600 children. Last year, there were 2,685 substantiated child abuse cases in Tulsa County.
About Family & Children’s Services
Family & Children’s Services, the largest behavioral health nonprofit organization in Oklahoma, works to heal hurting and abused children, strengthen families, and provide hope and a path to recovery for those dealing with serious mental illness and addiction. For nearly a century, F&CS has been the place to turn for help with problems that seem too overwhelming to handle alone. Programs are offered through a network of nine convenient office locations and co-locations with numerous community partners throughout the Tulsa metro area. F&CS serves more than one in six Tulsans each year. F&CS gives Tulsans hope, and in the process, make our community a better place for all.
About the Parent Child Center of Tulsa
The work of The Parent Child Center of Tulsa began in 1972. The current agency structure was launched May 1, 1990, merging two smaller United Way agencies: Child Abuse Prevention Services and At Risk Parent Child Program. Marking its 30th year of service, The Parent Child Center’s mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect through education, treatment and advocacy. Last year, more than 76,000 children and adults were impacted by The Parent Child Center’s prevention efforts through Community Outreach to schools, summer camps and civic organizations, Family Support Services staff visits to homes of children at risk for abuse and neglect, training caregivers in nurturing parenting skills, and in Clinical Services, therapists provide child and adult therapy to those for whom some degree of abuse and neglect has already occurred in their family, with the goal of preventing future incidents of child maltreatment.
About Tulsa Area United Way
Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) is a nonprofit organization in the six-county area funding 59 partner agencies whose critical services deliver the three building blocks to a better life: education, financial stability and health/safety. Since 1924, TAUW has raised and invested over $825 million to assist people in need in Creek, Okmulgee, Osage, Rogers, Wagoner and Tulsa counties. All contributions to TAUW are invested locally, and governance is maintained by a highly dedicated Board of Directors. The 2020 Board Chair is Kirk Hays, President and CEO of Arvest Bank, Tulsa. www.tauw.org