Prevention Programs
Prevention Matters & How You Can Make a Difference!
Welcome to Heartland for Children’s Prevention Programs, where we are committed to building strong families and safe communities.
Our mission focuses on preventing child abuse and neglect through innovative programs, community collaboration, and family support.
From parenting education and child safety initiatives to faith-based outreach, our programs provide tools and resources to empower caregivers and ensure children thrive. Join us in creating brighter futures by fostering environments where every child feels loved, valued, and protected.
Prevention Programs
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
During the month of April each year, Heartland for Children partners with other child-serving agencies to implement the
Pinwheels for Prevention campaign for Child Abuse Prevention Month. During the month, initiatives focus on holding family-friendly
events, educating the public about how they can help to prevent child abuse and providing resources to advocates and families to help strengthen families. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, pinwheels will be prominently displayed throughout the community
at local businesses and other community locations.
Child Passenger Safety
Heartland for Children is dedicated to keeping kids safe in our community. Studies show that 90% of car seats are installed incorrectly due to confusing instructions and lack of education.
To help, we partner with local agencies in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties to educate caregivers and child-serving professionals about Child Passenger Safety. We also work to increase the number of Child Passenger Safety Technicians—experts who teach families how to properly install car seats.
Together, we strive to ensure that every child travels safely in the right car seat, properly installed. For more information, contact Shawna Butler at (863) 519-8900 x 205.
Faith Communities & Child Abuse Prevention
Faith-based communities play a key role in supporting children and families by providing guidance, resources, and a strong network of care. Through programs, mission work, and outreach, they help prevent child abuse and neglect every day.National prevention efforts focus on protective factors—key conditions that strengthen families and help parents navigate challenges. These include:
🔹 Nurturing relationships
🔹 Parenting knowledge
🔹 Resilience under stress
🔹 Social connections
🔹 Access to support services
🔹 Emotional well-being of children
Faith communities support these protective factors through:
✅ Youth & family programs
✅ Childcare & after-school care
✅ Pastoral care & counseling
✅ Life groups & faith-based education
✅ Community outreach (food pantries, clothing drives, financial assistance)
Heartland for Children is grateful for the incredible work of our local faith partners. Through our Faith-Based Prevention Initiative, we invite faith leaders to collaborate with us in strengthening families in our community.
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.
Visit our full Infant Massage page here
Being a parent/caregiver is the most important and yet most challenging job anyone can have.
Most parents want to be great parents, but how do they figure out how, when children don’t come with a manual?
Heartland for Children has partnered with FindHelp.com to develop an online platform that is providing Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties with a comprehensive online directory of local resources that will help strengthen families. You can search by zip code to locate free and reduced-cost programs and services near you! Visit heartland.findhelp.com to get started.
Hope Florida serves as a connection point for community collaboration between the public and private sector, faith-based communities, and nonprofits. Through the efforts of our Hope Navigators, we are going beyond government to create a pathway for Floridians to live up to their God-given potential and accomplish the American Dream – ultimately achieving prosperity and economic self-sufficiency.
Get connected to a Hope Navigator - (833) GET HOPE or visit hopeflorida.com
When Parents find themselves in a position where they don’t know where else to turn, Neighbor to Family is committed to assisting them in connecting to the right resources and support for their family. Parents can call (863) 537-7712 or email info@ntf.org to get started
The Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida & Prevent Child Abuse Florida have created a Family Development Guide that is available online in English, Spanish and Creole. This guide provides up to date information on child development, parenting, and safety for children from birth through the teen years. It also includes a directory of national and statewide resources for family support.
The United Way of Central Florida provides an Information and Referral service to the community to help link families to those much needed resources and support. Parents are encouraged to reach out for help when needed, because after all, we all need help at one time or another.
Help starts here. 211 connects you to expert, caring help. Every call is completely confidential. The 211 network in the United States responds to more than 16 million requests for help every year. Most calls, web chats, and text messages are from people looking for help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and health care. Call 211 or visit 211.org.
What we know about parenting is that parents can do their best when:
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Their stress levels are low or they have strong stress management skills
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They have a strong support network
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They have the resources they need to care for their children
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They have good knowledge about child development
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.
We are committed to helping every baby reach their first birthday. October is Safe Sleep Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of creating a safe sleep environment for infants.
Remember the ABC’s of Safe Sleep:
🍼 Alone – Babies should sleep alone, without pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or bumpers.
🔄 Back – Always place babies on their back for every sleep, including naps.
🛏️ Crib – Use a firm, flat mattress in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard.By following these simple steps, we can help prevent sleep-related infant deaths and ensure that every baby gets the safest start in life. 💙
Learn more about safe sleep and other resources:
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Healthy Start's Beds for Babies Project: Thanks to the funding by Florida Citrus Growers Grant and GiveWell Foundation, families can receive a brand new pack and play, 2 fitted sheets, swaddler and the book Safe and Snug. To learn more contact Nina Clark at 863-534-9224.
Drowning is 100% preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of death for young children, especially in Florida, where water is everywhere. As we approach the warmer months, it's crucial to prioritize water safety. May is National Water Safety Month, a reminder to take steps to protect children—whether at the pool, beach, or even at home. Supervision, swim lessons, and barriers like pool fences can make all the difference. Together, we can create a safer environment and prevent tragic accidents.
Water Safety Tips and Resources:
