Safeguarding the future of Kaua‘i’s keiki
Published on April 30, 2024
LĪHUʻE – In honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month, the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) has partnered with the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua‘i to host a child abuse prevention and awareness event. On Tuesday, Apr. 23, participants were invited to place blue pinwheels on the KPD lawn, a visible reminder that every child deserves love, happiness and a future free of abuse or neglect.
Last year, KPD responded to 134 cases related to child welfare. Building a secure and supportive environment for children and their families requires a collective collaboration between law enforcement, advocacy agencies and the community.
“Ensuring the safety of our keiki is and always will be our top priority, but we cannot do it alone,” shared Assistant Chief Kalani Ke. “If you have any concerns about a child’s wellbeing, don’t be afraid to make a report. Having the courage to act could have a significant impact on a child’s life. Please contact KPD Dispatch at (808) 241-1711, or if the situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1. We all have a role to play as guardians of our keiki’s safety.”
Any intentional harm or maltreatment inflicted upon a minor is classified as child abuse and is a punishable offense. Types of child abuse may include physical abuse, sexual abuse or emotional abuse. Neglect is a failure to provide adequate food, shelter, supervision, educational or medical care that can cause physical or emotional harm. Signs of abuse aren’t always obvious and can vary, but some red flags may include:
- Changes in a child’s behavior
- Frequent absences from school
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained or unusual bruises and injuries
Join efforts to put a stop to abuse and neglect, aid courageous survivors and build strong communities where children can thrive. For more information on how to recognize and report child abuse or neglect and to support families and safe communities, please check out the following resources:
Child and Family Services
2970 Kele St. Suite 203, Līhu‘e, HI 96766
(808) 245-5914
www.childandfamilyservice.org/kauai/
Services provided include comprehensive counseling and support services, crisis mobile outreach, domestic violence services for families, family centers and more.
Child Welfare Services
To report child abuse and neglect: 1-888-380-3088
www.humanservices.hawaii.gov/ssd/home/child-welfare-services/
Make a report anonymously, hotline available 24/7. Please provide as much detail as possible, including the name of the child, age, address, etc.
Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua‘i
4473 Pahee St Ste M, Līhu‘e, HI, 96766
(808) 246-0923 | fcjckauai@live.com
www.kauaifcjc.org
Making a positive difference for Kauai’s abused and neglected children through awareness, advocacy, assistance, and support of the Children’s Justice Center.
Hale ‘Ōpio Kaua‘i
2959 Umi St. Suite #300, Līhuʻe, HI 96766
(808) 245-2873
www.haleopio.org
Provides resources and programs for youth and foster children.
Kaua‘i Family Guidance Center
3059 Umi Street, Room A-014, Līhu‘e, HI 96766
(808) 274-3883 | DOH.CAMHD.Kauai.admin@doh.hawaii.gov
https://health.hawaii.gov/camhd/kauai-family-guidance-center/
Intensive mental health treatment and case management services to the children and families of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau.
Parents and Children Together Kaua‘i
4-1579 Kūhiō Hwy. Suite 210A, Kapa‘a, HI 96746
(808) 821-0574 | admin@pacthawaii.org
www.pacthawaii.org/kauai-programs/
Provides services such as the Family Visitation Center, Intensive Support Services and more.
YWCA Kaua‘i
3094 Elua Street, Līhu‘e, HI 96766
(808) 245-5959 | info@ywcakauai.org
Domestic violence or sexual assault 24-hour hotline: (808) 245-6362
www.ywcakauai.org
Provides resources for both domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
If the situation is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
The Kaua‘i Police Department partnered with the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua‘i to host a child abuse prevention and awareness event.
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