Combat Ready against Child Abuse Prevention

  • Published
  • By Connie Powers
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- --  Gunfighters are combat ready to protect and defend globally and at home.
According to everychildmatters.org, 10,440 children died as a result of child abuse and neglect from 2001-2007. That is over twice the number of military personnel who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11.

The Air Force prides itself in preparing Airmen and families for combat readiness. As a result, lives are saved at home and around the world. Our Gunfighter Integrated Delivery Services Team (IDS) supports Gunfighters at home and during deployments, to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Child abuse and neglect are preventable. The pinwheels you see in our community during the month of April are the symbol for prevention. When the community provides protective factors for families' lives can be saved. The Gunfighter IDS team provides these resources to prevent child abuse and neglect.

1. Nurturing and attachment - Airmen take classes to prepare for child birth and parenting. Dad's Class is a boot camp to help dads know what to expect during pregnancy and delivery as well as how to support the mother and child. Airmen are allowed time off when babies are born to attach and bond with the infant. The Youth Center and Child Development Center provide safety, stability, and nurturing while the parents are at work.

2. Knowledge of parenting and child and youth development - New Parent Support Program provides education to parents including how infants grow and develop skills through play and interaction with parents. Population Health provide booklets enhancing parent knowledge of child development. The CDC and Youth Center provide activities for children to learn communication and problem solving skills. Family Advocacy and Airmen and Family Readiness Center teach parent education classes that include: 1-2-3 Magic, Love and Logic, Teen Parenting, Step-parenting, and Common Sense Parenting.

3. Parental resilience - Mental Health and Family Advocacy offer Anger Management and Stress Management classes that can enhance a parent's capacity to cope. The Health and Wellness and Mental Health center have massage chairs to assist in stress reduction.

4. Social Connections - Chaplains provide extensive networks for families as do Airmen and Family Readiness Center, Community Activities Center, and the Youth Center. There are numerous programs on base where families can connect with friends and neighbors.

5. Concrete supports for parents - Airmen are provided resources to meet basic family needs, including medical care. First Sergeants and Airmen and Family Readiness Center have resources to help families during a crisis.
Thanks to our IDS team, Gunfighters are "Combat Ready" to prevent child abuse and neglect.