'Lunch & Learn' training session focuses on child abuse

A statewide initiative with the goal of reducing incidents of child abuse will make a visit to Cherokee County on Wednesday, as Prevent Child Abuse South Carolina (PCASC) will host a "Lunch & Learn" training session at the Cherokee County Library.

Most think of child abuse as youngsters receiving violent blows on numerous parts of their body, leaving deep scars and nasty bruises.

But according to the PCASC, there is much more to it, as things said can do as much damage as physical contact.

"Children sometimes are the innocent party, being punished violently in ways that can harm them both physically and emotionally," Greta Thomas, PCASC director of public relations said. "But with this training session we hope to bring a lot of the problems down by teaching people how to communicate with not only their children, but those in society as well."

PCASC, which is working with both the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) as well as the South Carolina Department of Education, is making its third trip to the county. During these visits, attendees were given valuable information that can make the difference in the health and well-being of a child.

"We have educated attendees on the importance of how personality types affect interaction and the importance of fathers in the home," Thomas said. "By putting this information out there, we believe it not only will be used by those in attendance, but also passed on so that children can live long, healthy lives."

Wednesday's training session will teach attendees how to manage stress and how it affects others, especially kids.

According to a recent study by the Casey Foundation, the state is one of the least favorable for the health and well-being of children. Factors contributing to the low ranking include the number of children graduating from high school and living in poverty.

While such data can often be discouraging, the organization's director of educational training, Lisa Fields, believes the word is getting out about these problems and much of the state is willing to make a change.

"I see a committed group of service providers such as DSS, the schools and others working hard to make sure children are able to enjoy the fullness of their childhood," Fields said. "By doing what they do, they are taking care of our main goal - making sure the needs of our children are met."

The session will run from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at the library. There is a registration fee of $15 for general participants and $10 for full time students. For more information please call 803- 733-5430 or by visiting the organization's website at pcasc.com.