Frequently Asked Questions
CULLMAN CARING FOR KIDS
FAQs
(Frequently Asked Questions)
What if my family needs help with food?
The United Way Food Bank provides food for those in need. Open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, eligible recipients can receive food once a month. To see if you qualify, please bring income verification and proof of address.
What should I do if I suspect a child is being abused?
Learn the telltale signs of child abuse. For example, displays welts or other skin injuries, wears dirty or inappropriate clothes for the weather, appears unwashed and unclean, exhibits severely abnormal eating habits, seems unduly afraid of parents, etc. Call (256) 737-5300 or the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-a-child to report your reasonable suspicions.
What is being done to educate children about child abuse?
Cullman Caring for Kids reaches children in all Cullman County and Cullman City Schools through a program called Cullman C.A.R.E.S. (Child Abuse Rescue through Education in Schools). Children are taught what child abuse is (sexual, physical, emotional, and neglect). Also taught is how to get help and how to deal with aggressive feelings, managing anger, and healthy ways to resolve conflicts.
Are there ways to educate people before abuse happens?
Yes! Cullman Caring for Kids has several programs:
· NEW BEGINNINGS – volunteers provide new parents with a packet that contains information on nutrition, shaken baby syndrome and infant health.
· F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Program (Fatherhood Achieving Time Honored Essentials for Real Success) is a prevention program for males ages 14 to 19 who are not fathers, but are at risk of being abusive or neglectful fathers. Topics include how to care for an infant, stages of childhood development, communication skills, and abstinence.
· M.O.M.S. Program (Making Opportunity for Maternal Success) is a program designed for young ladies ages 11 to 17. Using video, group activities, journaling and reading, various skills will be taught (etiquette, table setting, proper manners, personal hygiene, etc.).
How does Cullman Caring for Kids address school violence?
K.A.R.S. (Kids at Risk in Schools) is a violence prevention program that targets 6th, 7th, and 8th graders and provides alternatives to violent behavior. Sessions include conflict resolution, anger management, values, decision making, and how behavior determines consequences. Cullman County and Cullman City middle schools participate in this program.
Are there any programs for women who are in jail?
Health and hygiene, self-esteem building, values, good decision making skills, anger management and communication skills are just a few of the topics covered through H.O.P.E. (Helping Others through Positive Education). H.O.P.E. is offered at the Cullman County Correctional Facility on a weekly basis, helping to break the cycle of abuse.
What is CASA?
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers act on behalf of abused and neglected children in the court system. Carefully screened and trained, volunteers conduct their own investigations and get to know the child, allowing them to make recommendations to the court about a safe home for the child. CASA volunteers ensure that the child will not get lost in an overburdened legal system. Assignment of one child at a time helps volunteers to focus on that child until a safe, permanent home is found. Volunteers needed!
How are you educating the general public?
Kids Matter is a weekly radio program that informs and educates the general public about child abuse and neglect as well as other issues that affect both children and families. Held on Friday mornings at 9:05 on WKUL (92.1) and on Wednesday mornings at 9:05 on WRJL (99.9), this program is hosted by Javon Daniel, Executive Director and Nancy Bryant, Assistant Director.
For more information, contact:
Mr. Javon Daniel, Executive Director
Ms. Nancy Bryant, Assistant Director
Cullman Caring for Kids
PO Box 698
Cullman, AL 35056
402 Arnold Street, NE, Suite W-1
(256) 739-1111 or Fax (256) 775-6225