Heartland for Children believes there is a great benefit to every parent having access to education regarding infant massage. Research has shown that parents trained in infant massage can use the skill as an effective parenting technique to sooth irritable babies, thus helping to reduce parental stressors, among other things. Infant Massage is an opportunity for Heartland for Children to work collaboratively with other agencies toward improved caregiver/infant bonding, overall wellness for caregiver and infant, as well as decreased child maltreatment rates.
Heartland for Children coordinates a community wide effort to provide information and resources to parents/caregivers, professionals, business partners and community leaders on how each person in our community can help contribute to preventing child abuse and neglect. Through presentations, community awareness activities and parenting tip sheets, Heartland for Children hopes to bring awareness of the importance of helping families before harm occurs and the importance of positive parenting practices.
The Yellow Dress is a one-woman play that is focused on teen dating violence prevention. It is a program from Deana’s Educational Theater group and Heartland for Children has purchased limited production rights to implement the program locally. The Yellow Dress was developed as an educational tool to illustrate the seriousness of violence in dating relationships, and offers a platform from which discussion can begin around healthy dating relationships.
Heartland for Children is committed to improving the safety of all children in the communities we serve. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 90% of car seats are improperly installed because of the lack of education, difficult instructions and failure to read the owners’ manuals. Heartland for Children collaborates with local agencies within Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties to help educate caregivers, as well as professionals that work with children, about Child Passenger Safety.
Heartland for Children knows that it is critical to have a community that comes together to support parents on their parenting journey. Many agencies and groups provide this type of support to families each and every day. When Parents find themselves in a position where they don’t know where else to turn, Heartland for Children is committed to assisting them in connecting to the right resources and support for their family. Parents can call (863) 519-8900, x.224 to reach a Prevention Specialist who will work to link that parent to the resources and support they need.
Faith-Based Communities play a vital role in the safety and well-being of children and families. Each and every day Faith Communities are helping to prevent child abuse and neglect. Heartland for Children is thankful for the wonderful work our local faith communities are doing each and every day. As part of our Faith-Based Prevention Initiative, Heartland for Children invites local faith leaders and other representatives of faith communities to work together with us to identify additional opportunities to positively impact families in the communities we serve.