April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. We have reposted this episode to bring awareness and give you tangible tools to speak with your kids about child abuse.

Today’s guest expert is Jane Donovan, who is a child abuse prevention advocate. 

"And like we say in child life, you have to prepare. So you know what to expect and you know how to cope with what's going to happen next." - Katie Taylor, CLOC

In this crucial episode, Katie Taylor is joined by a child abuse prevention advocate, Jane Donovan, to delve into the sensitive and vital topic of child protection within the healthcare system. The discussion focuses on how child life specialists can play a crucial role in identifying and responding to signs of abuse in children. Through detailed education on proper documentation, response strategies, and the importance of preparation, this episode provides essential insights for any adult from child life specialists to parents, underscoring the role of education in prevention and the duty to teach children how to keep their bodies safe.

Key Insights and Lessons:

• Importance of Proper Documentation: Understanding how accurate and detailed documentation can aid in protecting children and supporting further investigations.
• Recognizing Signs and Symptoms: Learning the subtle signs and symptoms of abuse to ensure early intervention and support for the affected children.
• Educational Role of Child Life Specialists: How child life specialists can educate and prepare themselves to better support children who may disclose abuse.
• Empowering Children: Strategies for teaching children about body safety and self-protection in a manner that is appropriate and empowering.

Resources and Tips:

• Kids Count Players Safety Sheet for Parents and Caregivers
• Kids Count Safety Sheet for Kids

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Whether you're a parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in learning more about child life, this podcast is for you.

Learn 6 Positions to Help Kids Feel Comfortable and Safe

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10% off Coping Kits and other select merchandise at Present Over Perfect

Meet the host: 

Katie Taylor is the co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform designed to provide parents, kids, and the care team with access to child life services tools and resources. She is a certified child life specialist with over 13 years of experience working in various pediatric healthcare settings. Katie is the author of the children's book, and has presented on the topics of child life and entrepreneurship, psychosocial care in the hospital, and supporting caregivers in the NICU setting both nationally and internationally. She is also the host of the Child Life On Call Podcast which features interviews with parents discussing their experiences throughout their child's medical journey. The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of child life services in enabling caregivers both at and beyond the bedside.

Instagram.com/childlifeoncall

Facebook.com/childlifeoncall

linkedin.com/in/kfdonovan