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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2007
COLUMBUS – Today, Franklin County Commissioners approved a contract with Prevent Child Abuse Ohio (PCOA) at Children’s Hospital in the amount of $98,995.52 to continue the operation of the Parent Resource Line, at (614)224-2273, a 24-hour line for parents under stress who need parenting information, support, help solving a situation, or referrals to local community resources.
The Commissioners’ Task Force on Child Care, led by Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, identified the need for a Parent Resource Line. Working with birthing centers, doctor’s offices and school settings throughout Franklin County, the Parent Resource Line is able to distribute information on preventing child abuse and navigating safe, effective child care to Franklin County’s families.
“We like to think of the Parent Resource Line as a WARM line because it is an opportunity for parents to call before the situation becomes HOT,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “By calling, Franklin County’s families are given the tools they need to prevent child abuse and to navigate safe, effective child care for their children.”
In February 2005, the Parent Resource Line received approximately 60 calls. Six months later, in August 2005, after an extensive outreach campaign, the phone line received 275 calls. Today, the outreach efforts currently provide information to over 2,000 new parents each month.
“Parenting is a difficult job but the terrific partners at the Parent Resource Line provide support to parents who might be over worked, tired or stressed,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “Child abuse only takes a moment to happen but can end a beautiful child’s promise and destroy a family forever. Led by children’s health care experts, PRL saves lives and families.”
“Shaking a baby can be deadly, and it takes only a few seconds of extreme parental frustration,” said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. “I am proud of the work our partners at Prevent Child Abuse Ohio and Children’s Hospital are doing to keep more Franklin County kids safe by giving parents the option to call the Parent Resource Line before a situation becomes unsafe.”
Prevent Child Abuse Ohio (PCAO), is a statewide organization whose mission is to help prevent the abuse and neglect of Ohio's children by serving as an expert resource for collaboration, information and education.
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