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In the News: The CARE Center
- KLOVE | Talking to Kids About Safety Without Scaring Them
- News 9 | Meet Nelson: The CARE Center’s Newest Therapy Dog
- This is Oklahoma Podcast: Featuring The CARE Center
- KFOR | Strategies to Stop the Summer Slide
- KFOR | How to Discuss Summer Safety Tips with Your Child
- KFOR | Helping Your Child Handle the News of the World
- FOX 25 | Meet Poppy: The CARE Center’s First Therapy Dog
- KFOR | What Caregivers Should Know About Child Safety
KFOR Online | Community Calendar — Main Event Giveback Night
Oklahoma Gazette | Community Calendar — Main Event Giveback Night
- News 4 | Paint the Town Blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
- KOTV News on 6 Tulsa Online | CARE Center of Oklahoma County Provides a Place of Safety During Child Abuse Awareness Month
- News 9 | The CARE Center paints the town blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
News 9 Broadcast | Understanding and preventing child abuse: Resources signs and support
KOCO 5 News Broadcast | April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Oklahoman Opinion Online | Join in the blue effort to halt child abuse in Oklahoma
MetroFamily Magazine Newsletter | How caregivers can help prevent child abuse
Newsbreak | The CARE Center paints the town blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
- OKC VeloCity | Oklahoma goes blue to protect children during child abuse prevention month
- Greater Oklahoma City Chamber – Oklahoma goes blue to protect children during child abuse prevention month
- City News OKC | Oklahoma County’s ‘Paint the Town Blue’ campaign to protect children unfolds in April
- OKC Free Press | Oklahoma goes blue to protect children during Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Oklahoma 100 Online | Oklahoma goes blue for child abuse prevention month
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]]>The post Breaking the Silence: How Domestic Violence Affects Children appeared first on The CARE Center.
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Every year, millions of children witness violence in their own homes — the place that should feel safest, but awareness and early support can change that. Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm; it also includes emotional, psychological, and verbal abuse that leaves lasting trauma.
While most conversations about domestic violence focus on adult survivors, the impact of domestic violence on children often remains unseen. These young witnesses carry invisible wounds that can shape their emotional, social, and psychological development for a lifetime.
Protecting Hidden Victims: Children in Violent Homes
When domestic violence occurs, children are never just bystanders. Even if they are not physically harmed, children witnessing domestic violence between parents or caregivers profoundly affects their sense of security and self-worth.
Globally, millions of children live in homes where abuse happens. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that 1 in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year — and 90% of them directly witness the abuse.
Despite these staggering numbers, many children suffer in silence. Fear, shame, confusion, and loyalty to family members often prevent them from reaching out for help. Their quiet endurance hides the immense emotional burden they carry.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
The psychological toll of growing up in a violent home begins early and can last well into adulthood.
In the short term, children may experience intense fear, anxiety, nightmares, and emotional withdrawal. They may feel constantly on edge, never certain when the next outburst will come.
Over time, these experiences can lead to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, and difficulty trusting others.
One of the most tragic effects is the cycle of domestic abuse . Research shows that children who grow up in abusive homes are three times more likely to repeat the cycle in adulthood — either as victims or perpetrators. Early recognition and intervention are essential to breaking that pattern.
Behavioral and Social Consequences
The classroom often becomes the first place where trauma shows. The long-term effects of domestic violence on children extend far beyond the home. In school, children may struggle to focus, act out, or withdraw completely. Teachers might see declining grades or sudden behavioral changes without realizing the trauma behind them.
Socially, these children often have difficulty forming healthy friendships or setting boundaries. They may replicate aggression, avoid closeness, or feel unworthy of love and acceptance.
As they grow older, unresolved trauma can manifest in risky behaviors such as substance use, aggression, or self-harm.
Recognizing and Responding Safely
Responding to the signs of trauma in children can be life-changing — even life-saving.
Teachers, relatives, neighbors, and community members all play vital roles in identifying and supporting children affected by domestic violence. Warning signs can include sudden changes in mood or behavior, fearfulness around certain adults, unexplained absences, or an unusual awareness of conflict at home.
Safe intervention starts with awareness. Creating trusted spaces — in schools, counseling offices, and community programs — gives children the chance to share their experiences without fear of judgment or punishment.
At The CARE Center, we offer Protect and Prevent, a training program that empowers adults to recognize the signs of abuse and identify when children may be living with domestic violence. This training equips participants with the tools to respond compassionately, in a timely manner, and ensure that no child faces violence alone.
If you’re ever uncertain about what to do, remember: expressing concern and listening without judgment can be the first step toward safety and healing.
Schedule Your Protect & Prevent Training Today!
Protect & Prevent is an interactive child abuse prevention training for teachers, parents, professionals, and volunteers who work directly with children. Participants learn the signs, symptoms, and effects of abuse as well as how to respond and report suspected child abuse in a safe way.
If you suspect abuse or need help
If you believe a child is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence, it’s crucial to take action — safely and responsibly.
Here’s what you can do:
- If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
- To report suspected child abuse or neglect, contact your state’s Child Protective Services or the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) — available 24/7 and completely confidential.
- If you live in the state of Oklahoma, report child abuse by calling the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511.
- Every person in Oklahoma, over the age of 18, is a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support and safety are available.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788 for confidential help, 24 hours a day
- Visit thehotline.org for safety planning, resources, and live chat support.
You don’t have to be certain to act, concern is enough. Silence protects the abuser, not the child.
By breaking that silence — by learning, listening, and intervening safely — we can protect children and end the generational cycle of domestic violence. Every adult has the power to make a difference, whether by recognizing warning signs, supporting survivors, or advocating for prevention and education. Share this post with a friend to help raise awareness.
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]]>The post 10-4-FACESp: A Tool to Spot Possible Child Abuse In Children 4 & Under appeared first on The CARE Center.
]]>Oklahoma medical providers came together to film a short video explaining what TEN-4-FACESp is and why it matters in protecting children. Watch the video above to learn how this simple but powerful clinical rule helps identify concerning bruising in infants and children.
Thank you, Medical Providers!
Featured:
Dr. Connor West, DO
Dr. Larissa Hines
Dr. Mary Stockett
Dr. Ryan Brown
Jessica Harper, PA
Lindsey Minyen
Misty Baldwin
Pediatric Residents
Rowanne Forell, RN
Susan Oliver, RN
Wendy Migneault
10-4 Day in Oklahoma & TEN-4-FACESp Awareness
October 4 marks 10-4 Day — a dedicated day in Oklahoma to raise awareness of TEN-4-FACESp, a clinical bruising screening rule for infants and young children that helps identify injuries potentially associated with abuse. TEN-4-FACESp stands for bruising to the Torso, Ears, Neck; plus FACES — Frenulum, Angle of the jaw, Cheeks, Eyelids, Subconjunctivae — with “4” representing children 4 years and younger, and “p” for patterned bruising.
In a major milestone for child protection in our state, the Governor of Oklahoma has officially signed a proclamation designating October 4 as 10-4 Day in Oklahoma. With that signature, 10-4 Day is now formally recognized statewide — a powerful step in reaffirming our commitment to educating caregivers, health professionals, educators, and community members about red flags of concerning bruising and early intervention.
Why this matters:
Bruising in infants and young children can be an early indicator of abuse — the TEN-4-FACESp rule is a validated tool used by medical professionals to help distinguish accidental bruising from bruising that warrants further evaluation.
When more adults know what to look for, children are more likely to be protected, evaluated, and connected to help before more serious harm occurs.
The statewide proclamation helps elevate visibility, unify messaging, and encourage local communities, agencies, and providers to join in awareness efforts.
Looking for more resources? Check them out below:
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]]>The post ROAR Expands: Child Abuse Prevention Book Adds Spanish & Second Edition appeared first on The CARE Center.
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Rex is back and he’s ready to ROAR even louder!
A new tool to protect children in communities everywhere is here! The Second Edition & Spanish version of Rex Finds His ROAR is here, helping kids learn how to stay safe and speak up with confidence. Families love this story because it makes tough topics easy for little ones to understand. The CARE Center is excited to share these updates with you, giving children simple, empowering tools to keep their bodies safe.
Why ROAR Matters
ROAR is an award-winning child abuse prevention book designed for children ages 4–8, using age-appropriate stories and lessons to build a foundation of safety. Key lessons in ROAR include:
- Understanding body boundaries
- Identifying safe adults who can help
- Practicing how to say “no” when something feels wrong
The brand-new Second Edition makes these lessons even more accessible. The story is told through Rex’s own point of view, giving kids a friendly, relatable guide who explains body safety in a way that truly connects with children everywhere. With brighter illustrations, clearer language, and expanded resources for caregivers and educators, this edition is both fun for kids to read and a powerful, practical tool for the adults guiding them.
For the first time ever, Rex Finds His ROAR is also available in Spanish. This milestone ensures Spanish-speaking families can experience Rex’s story in their own language, making vital body safety lessons more inclusive and accessible. With culturally sensitive translation and the same engaging storytelling, this new edition offers children and caregivers an empowering tool to talk about safety together.
A Community Effort
The expansion of ROAR would not be possible without the support of educators, families, and community partners who continue to champion child safety.
To date, The CARE Center has educated over 25,000 children through our child safety program, ROAR. Protecting children is a collective responsibility, and ROAR reflects the strength of a community working together toward a safer future. We’re incredibly proud of our team at The CARE Center for championing this initiative
Get Your Copy of the second edition!
Get your copy of Rex Finds His ROAR: Second Edition, a child abuse prevention book for children, now!
Free Resources & Activities for children
To make safety education accessible to everyone, we’ve included a variety of resources for families and community members. Adults will find safety tips and conversation starters to guide meaningful discussions with children, while kids can enjoy coloring sheets, crafts, and activities that reinforce ROAR’s prevention lessons in a fun and age-appropriate way.
Together, these free child abuse prevention resources help ensure that learning about safety is engaging and fun!
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]]>The post What Caregivers Should Know About Child Safety appeared first on The CARE Center.
]]>Shelby Lynch, Director of Prevention & Outreach at The CARE Center, joins KFOR to discuss child safety & what caregivers need to know to protect the children in their life.
Looking for more resources? Follow us on Instagram @carecenterok or Facebook at The CARE Center.
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]]>The post Staying Safe Online: How Caregivers Can Spot the Signs of Online Grooming appeared first on The CARE Center.
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Online grooming doesn’t start with danger—it starts with kindness. That’s what makes it so hard to spot.
As kids head back to school, their online lives tend to ramp up—more homework on laptops, more socializing through phones, and more screen time overall. But with that screen time comes a hidden risk that every caregiver should know about: online grooming.
Online grooming happens when someone builds a relationship with a child online to exploit or abuse them. And it’s more common—and more subtle—than many caregivers realize.
The good news? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to help keep your child safe. You just need to be informed, present, and proactive.
What is Online Grooming?
Grooming doesn’t usually start with red flags. It often begins with kindness: a compliment, a shared interest, a friend request from someone who seems harmless.
Apps with messaging and chat features are where most of these conversations begin.
According to Lt. Dan Brooks of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit, “Social media apps such as Roblox, Discord, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. are where these individuals are messaging children. Always know the accounts and have parental controls turned on for these apps. Periodically check their chats, especially if something is off.”
These conversations can quickly move from innocent to inappropriate. Groomers may ask a child for personal details—phone numbers, email addresses, even home locations.
That’s why it’s critical to teach children to never share personal information online—even if the person seems like a friend.
How Groomers Build Trust
Groomers are skilled manipulators. They know how to exploit loneliness, insecurity, or even just curiosity. They often pretend to be the same age as the child and slowly earn their trust.
As Lt. Brooks explains, “Have discussions with your children and be honest about how there are people out there who are posing as children. Remind them to never send nude, naked or revealing pictures to anyone. Try to make them feel safe to bring this information to your attention, if someone asks for them.”
Predators may take these actions:
Signs Something Might be Wrong
Every child is different, but here are some behaviors that might signal it’s time to check-in with your child about their online activity.
- Withdrawing from family
- Becoming secretive about devices
- Sudden mood swings or anxiety
Digital red flags to look out for
None of these signs confirm grooming—but they’re clues worth checking in about.
- Using apps you’ve never heard of
- Multiple or hidden social media accounts
- Frequent clearing of browser & chat history
- Unexplained money or digital gifts
Back-to-School is the perfect time to reconnect
Heading into a new school year is a great opportunity to reset expectations around technology and reopen conversations about digital safety.
Here’s how you can start:
- Talk regularly – Ask about the games or apps they use. Not in a “gotcha” way, but with genuine curiosity.
- Set healthy limits – Revisit screen time, bedtime routines, and device-free zones (like during dinner or before school).
- Review privacy settings – Together, go through the settings on their favorite apps. It’s a good way to teach and learn.
- Stay involved – Know their friends list. Keep up with the apps they’re using. You don’t need to hover—just stay aware.
These little touchpoints build trust, making it more likely your child will come to you if something feels wrong. Learn what you can do to increase your child’s online safety.
What to do if you Suspect grooming
If your gut tells you something’s wrong, trust it. Your calm, supportive response can make all the difference.
Here’s what you can do:
- Stay calm – Your child needs to feel safe, not shamed.
- Document everything – Take screenshots of messages, usernames, timestamps.
- Don’t confront the predator – Let law enforcement handle it.
- Report immediately – Lt. Brooks reminds us: “Report illegal activity to law enforcement. Knowing who is attempting to get children to send pictures, reveal addresses, etc. is vital to keeping children from becoming victimized.”
Online grooming can happen to any child—no matter how engaged, confident, or careful they are. This isn’t about blame. It’s about being prepared. These are conversations every caregiver should have.
Need tips on how to handle these topics? Check out our other resources, contact your local Child Advocacy Center or contact The CARE Center.
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]]>Shelby Lynch, Director of Prevention & Outreach at The CARE Center, joins KFOR to discuss summer safety tips!
For more safety and prevention tips, follow @carecenterok on Instagram and Facebook!
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]]>The post Strategies to Stop the Summer Slide with Hannah Griffis appeared first on The CARE Center.
]]>Hannah Griffis, Director of Mental Health at The CARE Center joins KFOR News to discuss the summer slide and how caregivers can stop it.
For more mental health tips and resources, follow @carecenterok on Instagram and Facebook!
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]]>The post Unplug to Reconnect: How We Can Support Children’s Mental Wellbeing in the Digital Age appeared first on The CARE Center.
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by Hannah Griffis, Director of Mental Health at The CARE Center
Last week, a parent told me, ‘It’s like I’ve lost my child to a screen.’ It’s a sentiment I hear all too often.
As a mental health professional, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our increasingly digital world can quietly chip away at the emotional health and connection children need to thrive.
Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of those we love—especially our children. While technology brings convenience and entertainment, it also comes with real risks when it becomes a substitute for human connection, play or communication.
This month, I want to highlight the growing impact of technology on children’s mental health—and more importantly, what we as families can do to counter it. With a little intention and a few creative shifts, we can create stronger bonds and healthier minds by simply spending more quality time together.
The Digital Dilemma: How Technology Affects Children’s Mental Health
Children are growing up in a world saturated with screens—from tablets to TVs to smartphones. Too much exposure to technology, especially without guidance, can harm development in several key areas:
At The CARE Center, we’re seeing younger children experience symptoms of overstimulation, stress, and even burnout—conditions that were once rare in early childhood.
Signs Your Child May Be Overstimulated or Disconnected
As caregivers, it’s crucial to recognize when something might be off. Here are some signs your child might be struggling with tech-related overstimulation:
If you’re noticing these signs, it’s not about blame—it’s about getting curious and making room for healthy change. Open, non-judgmental conversations are key.
Unplugged and United – Family Activities That Foster Connection and Growth
Here’s the good news: reducing screen time doesn’t have to mean fighting about devices or cutting out tech entirely. It’s about being intentional with your time and making space for shared, meaningful experiences.
Here are some of my favorite family-friendly activities that support emotional growth and connection:
These small actions can have a big impact. You’re not just filling time—you’re building trust, emotional intelligence, and happy memories.
Building a Family Culture That Supports Mental Wellness
The most effective way to create a mentally healthy household is through consistency and compassion. Here are a few long-term habits to consider:
This Mental Health Awareness Month, I encourage families to take a step back and reflect: Are we truly connecting, or are screens getting in the way?
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life. Start small. Commit to one unplugged family night this week. Take a walk together. Ask your child how they’re really feeling. These moments matter—far more than we often realize.
At The Care Center, we’re here to support you with resources and guidance. Let’s work together to raise resilient, emotionally healthy kids—one unplugged moment at a time.
Know a caregiver who could use this? Share this article with them.
Hannah Griffis, M.ED, LPC
Director of Mental Health
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Stacy McNeiland, CEO & Founder of ROAR at The CARE Center, joins Mike Hearne on the podcast This is Oklahoma. Follow along as Stacy shares her journey as a child abuse survivor.
Listen to the podcast here!
To keep up with Stacy and the ROAR program, follow @carecenterok on Instagram and Facebook!
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