Among confirmed cases of child maltreatment, 40 percent involve the use of alcohol or drugs. An estimated 480,000 children are mistreated each year by a caretaker who has alcohol or drug problems. Additionally, alcohol and drug problems are factors in a majority of cases of emotional abuse and neglect.

Answer the following:

• Given these statistics, why do you think a more concerted effort is not made in the media to make citizens aware of the association between substance abuse and child abuse?
• Choose one of the following audiences, and describe a plan to heighten awareness of this problem:
  • Grade and high school students
  • Parent or child organizations such as Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts
  • Welfare recipients
• Include three action points for implementing this awareness plan nationwide to the chosen audience.  Be sure to specify:
  • Who will deliver the information?
  • How will the information be delivered?
  • What systems will be put in place for support if needed by participants?
• Include one additional action point to address prevention strategies in the population chosen above.

Create a two- to three-page plan.