(Editor’s note: This is part two of a series of five stories
regarding National Child Abuse Prevention Month and services
available in McKean County for families and children. For more
information on any of the services, contact the one of the agencies
listed in the stories.)

Keeping children safe is always a priority, especially with
agencies in McKean County that focus on aiding families.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and representatives of
Children and Youth Services, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems
Inc., The Guidance Center and Port Psychological Services Inc.
spoke to The Era about what they can do to help.

Duane Wolfe, director of CYS, explained his agency is usually
involved after abuse has taken place.

“We respond after it already occurred,” he said. However, the
agency has phone lines manned 24-hours a day, seven-days a week to
help anyone who feels they need it with referrals to other
agencies.

Lee Sizemore, program director of The Guidance Center, said
there is no stigma attached to asking for help.

“Some people just have really challenging kids,” she said. “A
lot of families need help getting through a bump.”

That bump could be something faced in normal family dynamics,
such as grieving the loss of a loved one or suffering financial
stress.

Arnie Haskins, licensed clinical social worker with Port
Psychological, said no one – especially a parent – fits the bill of
perfection.

“Everyone’s made to feel like they should have all the answers
and be the perfect parent,” Haskins said. “Ask for help if you are
feeling overwhelmed.

“Call somebody. At least identify that you need help. Denial is
what keeps the problem going,” he added.

“There’s no shame in saying ‘I can’t handle this,'” Haskins
said.

For a more serious problem – such as a parent who realizes they
need some assistance to control their anger in dealing with their
child – there are several places to turn for immediate help.

“For immediate, on-the-spot rage, if they feel like they are
going to harm themselves or their child, they can call the
emergency hotline number,” Sizemore said. That number is
1-800-459-6568.

McKean County also has a Children’s Resource coordinator, Bonnie
Leposa, in the Department of Human Services. Leposa can refer
people to the appropriate place for help.

A multitude of other services are available across the county to
help parents address concerns with themselves or concerns with
their children.

Jennifer Morrison, licensed social worker with Port
Psychological, explained the first line of help for children is
often found at school.

She explained schools have guidance counselors and student
assistance programs in place for children who need some help. If
there is more of a need for assistance than can be provided by the
school, the student may be referred to more intensive services.

Haskins added that having Head Start programs in place can help
identify children’s problems early on – before the child’s behavior
gets to a point where a parent grows angry or frustrated and abuse
may occur.