What we can do:
Increase our comfort to report things to CPS when we think something is wrong, trust our inttuition- that's why they investigate - if nothing is wrong no harm/no foul
Offer programs for building self esteem
Let children tell their stories
Share our stories of our childhood - help young people understand that they are not alone - normalize the experience for those who think they are the only one
Educate parents
Offer a group for parents of teens who think something might be wrong
Keep asking youth what they need - then LISTEN to their answers
Support Public Schools
Mentor - programs in our area include READ, BBBS, Central High School, Kid's Hope, Ottawa County Mentoring Collaborative
Investigate Search Institute's list of Assets
Grow the Momentum Community Resource Area to include this information