DILKON – The Department of Family Services (DFS) provided education to the community of Dilkon, Ariz., through the Child Abuse Prevention Mini Conference held April 22 at the Dilkon Medical Center. The theme for the mini conference was, “Protect Their Childhood, Protect Their Future”
Althea James, Victim Witness Advocate, connected domestic violence with child abuse in her presentation. She provided information on the effects of violence in the home on children including disruption of brain development and behavioral, physical and mental problems such as increased crying, severe anxiety, headaches, body ailments, inability to concentrate, bullying, depression, truancy, low self-esteem, and juvenile delinquency.
Althea James speaks about Domestic Violence and the Effects on Children.
Different types of abuse can include neglect and physical, emotional, verbal, psychological, sexual, spiritual, and financial abuse.
Protective factors for children are nurturing relationships, creating a safe environment and providing mental health support. Preventative measures include reporting child abuse for immediate intervention, listening without judgment, helping children to feel safe, talking to them about their fears and about boundaries, and finding a reliable support system.
Louanna Benslow of Winslow Indian Health Care Center Youth Wellness presented on self-care and wellness and gave the audience tools they can utilize to recharge and manage stress.
Dilkon District Court Judge Victor Clyde spoke on the court process and cultural impact on children. His presentation focused on the stages of life from infancy to old age and court processes and roles of staff and services using the Diné model of directions, life and planning. “Justice, the law, is also a tool for healing,” Clyde said.
Joseph Sandoval, Community Development Specialist with Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families (NTCCF), presented the story of Dawn Boy.
The mini conference began with a fun walk where participants earned free T-shirts. Resource providers distributed information on their services including Department for Self Reliance, Alice’s Place Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Navajo Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services Tribal Opioid Response, Native American Disability Law Center, Navajo County Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Services, and Healthy Families White Mountains.
Participants were encouraged to wear blue during the Child Abuse Prevention Mini Conference Fun Walk at Dilkon Medical Center.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed every April to provide awareness and education, strengthen and support families, and promote prevention strategies. In 2024, there was an estimated 532,228 victims of child abuse and neglect nationally, according to the U.S. DHHS Administration for Children and Families Children’s Bureau. American Indian and Alaska Native children had the highest rate of victimization in 2024.
These statistics highlight why it’s so important for the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services to provide outreach and education during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Future events include a presentation on Dawn Boy on the evening of April 28, at San Juan Chapter as a Restoring and Celebrating Family Wellness workshop and an awareness walk in Kayenta the morning of April 29, hosted by the DFS.
Louanna Benslow teaches self-care and wellness strategies.
Native American Disability Law Center provides information on its services.
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