Ways to be a Supportive Caregiver

If your family has already visited the CAC, please reach out to your Family Advocate for specialized resource information. 

 

Parenting a Child after a Traumatic Event:

  • https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/f_abused.pdf
    • Click here for information on parenting a child who has been sexually abused. This guide was made by the U.S. Children's Bureau. The information is primarily for adoptive or foster parents, but the information is applicable to all caregivers. There is a list by age group of what signs and behaviors to look for in children. It also discusses what is normal, common sexual developmental behaviors for children at different ages. It looks at the impact on the family, what trauma is, and what interventions may be helpful. It discusses types of therapy and where to seek help.
  • https://www.nationalcac.org/for-parents/
    • This is a hub of resources for parents/caregivers. It is from the National Children's Advocacy Center. It has additional links for information on: Being a Nurturing Parent, Parent-Child Communication, Child Maltreatment Information, Children and Domestic Violence , Coping with Trauma, Handling Stress , Healthy Childhood Sexual Development, LGBTQ+ Youth, Internet/Smart Phones/Social Media Information, Sexual Exploitation, and Prevention Information.
  • https://www.rainn.org/articles/help-parents-children-who-have-been-sexually-abused-family-members
    • This is information for parents/caregivers of children who were sexually abused by family members. This is an overview on what feelings you and your child may be having. It also discusses how to address those feelings, and ensuring your child that it is not their fault.
  • https://www.nctsn.org/resources/trauma-and-your-family
    • Offers parents and caregivers information about trauma. This fact sheet defines traumatic stress and describes how common it is, how it can impact a family, and things a family can do to cope with traumatic stress.
  • https://www.nctsn.org/resources/caring-kids-what-parents-need-know-about-sexual-abuse
    • Provides parents and caregivers with tools to help them support children who have been victims of sexual abuse, information on the importance of talking to children and youth about body safety, and guidance on how to respond when children disclose sexual abuse. This fact sheet series also includes advice on how to cope with the shock of intrafamilial abuse and with the emotional impact of legal involvement in sexual abuse cases.
  • https://www.nationalcac.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/suggested-reading-children.pdf
    • Suggested books for children, teens, and parents/caregivers from the National Children’s Advocacy Center. Suggested books are about sexual abuse and/or about sexual development. 
  • https://raisingchildren.net.au/for-professionals/mental-health-resources/abuse-trauma-violence-and-grief/sexual-abuse-and-sexual-assault/child-sexual-abuse-talking-to-children
    • Child sexual abuse: talking to children 0-11 years. This discusses ways to discuss body safety with young children, provides further reading resources, and tips on how to have hard conversations with your child.

For Parents/Caregivers who experienced Sexual Abuse in childhood:

 Online Support Groups:

Talking with your child about sex:

Local Resources:

  • Family Justice Center:

  • Partnership for Families, Children and Adults: 

  • Children and Adolescents Mental Health Crisis Response Number:

    • ​1-866-791-9225

  • Metropolitan Ministries: 

    • (423) 624-9650

    • https://www.met-min.org/

    • Assistance with Past due utility bills (electricity, gas, water, and sewer), Past due rent payments, Food assistance through an on-site food pantry, and access to other community resources. Look on their website for instructions on when to call. 

  • Chattanooga Area Food Bank: 

  • ​United Way of Greater Chattanooga: