Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota

09/14/2026

The little moments matter more than many of us may realize!



When families intentionally create tech-free moments, they build stronger relationships, deeper trust, and open lines of communication. Whether it's sharing a meal together, taking a walk, playing a game, exploring nature, helping with homework, or simply listening as a child talks about their day, these everyday interactions help children feel seen, valued, and supported.



Strong connections are one of the greatest protective factors for children. When children know they can turn to trusted adults, they are more likely to talk about their worries, seek help when they need it, and develop the resilience to navigate life's challenges.



This week, challenge yourself to create tech-free moments each day with your child. The time you invest in connection today can make a lasting difference tomorrow! Our children deserve our full attention.🤎



Comment below a recent tech-free moment you shared with your child.

09/09/2026

🌟 Meet Arsema Mekonnen! 🌟

Please join us in welcoming Arsema Mekonnen, our new NDSU Master of Public Health (MPH) Practicum Student!



Get to know Arsema:

Where are you from/currently living?
"I am originally from Ethiopia and currently live in Fargo, North Dakota."

Education & Professional Background
"I am currently a graduate student at North Dakota State University (NDSU) pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a specialization in Community Health and a subplan in Maternal and Child Health (MCH).

My academic background is rooted in health and medicine, having earned a B.S. in Biology, a B.S. in Healthcare Services, and a B.A. in Leadership and Innovation in Aging, all from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM).

Professionally, I have experience in workplace health and safety, direct care work in a homeless shelter, caregiving in adult foster care, and serving as a nurse assistant."


Your Role with Families Flourish ND & What You're Excited About
"I am joining Families Flourish ND as a practicum intern. I am excited to gain hands-on public health experience while learning more about maternal and child health, family support, caregiving, and community-based health services. I especially look forward to contributing to work that strengthens families and connects communities with valuable resources."

Fun Fact
"I love puzzles! I have quite a collection and enjoy working on them as a way to relax, refocus, and unwind."

Interests & Passions
"I am passionate about community health and working directly with communities to identify and address health challenges. I have a particular interest in maternal and child health, including postpartum health and supporting mothers and families during the postpartum period. This work is meaningful to me because I believe strengthening the health and well-being of mothers, children, and families can have a lasting impact on the entire community."


We're excited to have Arsema on our team and look forward to the knowledge, passion, and dedication she brings to supporting North Dakota families. Please help us give her a warm welcome! 💙

08/18/2026

As students head back to school, many are carrying more than just backpacks.

Some children enter the classroom after experiencing difficult or traumatic events at home or in their community. That's why Families Flourish ND partners with schools and law enforcement agencies across North Dakota to implement Handle with Care.

With a simple notification from law enforcement, schools can be aware that a child may need extra grace, patience, and support following a potentially traumatic event. No details are shared, just a message reminding caring adults to handle that child with care.

Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Learn more and explore our growing resource repository: www.pcand.org/handle-with-care

Interested in bringing Handle with Care to your school or community? Contact Lindsey Burkhardt, Director of Prevention Initiatives, at [email protected].

08/15/2026

New School Year = Smart Safety Conversations

Many schools now limit cellphone use during the school day, but students may still have access to phones on the bus or before and after school. Even if your child does not have a phone, they may still be exposed to dangerous content through peers' devices. That makes now, before the school year starts, a great time to talk with children about Safe Pictures/Videos and Trusted Adults.

The reality is that children may encounter inappropriate, harmful, or dangerous content online earlier than many adults realize. A 2023 Common Sense Media survey found that 54% of teens were first exposed to online po*******hy before age 13, with the average age of first exposure being 12 years old.

Exposure to violent and harmful content is common online. According to Bark's 2024 Annual Report, 82% of teens have encountered violent content, including threats, fights, and weapons. Many also see content promoting unhealthy body image, self-harm, dangerous trends, and substance use.

Teach your child that Safe Pictures/Videos are:

• Photos and videos of family, pets, nature, school activities, and other things that make them feel happy and comfortable.

• Images shared with permission and in appropriate settings.

Teach your child that Unsafe Pictures/Videos are:

• Images or videos showing private body parts or people without clothes.

• Pictures or videos that feel scary, violent, confusing, or wrong.

• Content that makes them feel uncomfortable, worried, or unsure.

• Anything shared secretly or with pressure to keep it a secret.

Remind your child: If you see something confusing, upsetting, or inappropriate online, STOP, leave the screen, and tell a Trusted Adult. And remind them that they will never be in trouble for telling you or another trusted adult.

Prepare, don't panic. These conversations help children respond safely when something doesn't feel right. Remember, ongoing discussions matter most. The more you talk, the more likely they'll come to you for help.

08/12/2026

💚Thank You, Kappa Delta Theta Iota Chapter!💚

We are incredibly grateful to the Kappa Delta Theta Iota Chapter at the University of North Dakota for their generous donation in support of our mission.

Your commitment to building confidence, inspiring action, and making a positive impact across our state helps us continue serving children and families through prevention and awareness. Thank you for your support and for helping make a difference.

https://www.facebook.com/KappaDeltaUND

07/22/2026

Families Flourish ND would like to welcome our newest Board Member Dr. Angela Cavett. We are so excited to have your experience and expertise on our Board. If you have a passion for children, live in ND and want to make an impact, please consider joining the FFND Board.

For more information contact Christy at [email protected]

07/16/2026

Body Safety Conversations Aren’t One-Time Conversations

When it comes to keeping children safe, we know that important safety lessons happen over time, not just once. We don’t talk about bike safety, water safety, or fire safety a single time and expect children to remember everything forever. Body safety is no different!

Body safety conversations should be ongoing, age-appropriate discussions that are woven into everyday life. Regular conversations help children build confidence, understand personal boundaries, and know when and how to ask for help from trusted adults.

Looking for a fun and engaging way to start (or continue) these important conversations? Our Body Safety Packet is a great resource for families and caregivers to use with children.

👉 Access our Prevention Resources & Activities for Children here: https://www.pcand.org/child-sexual-abuse-prevention-1

A very important reminder: Keeping children safe is the responsibility of the adults. Body safety education is not about placing the burden of prevention on children. Rather, it gives children age-appropriate knowledge and language that can help them recognize when something doesn't feel right and reach out to a trusted adult. Providing children with body safety knowledge can be one important part of creating safer environments and helping children know they deserve to be safe, respected, and heard.

07/09/2026

Join us in following along as we expand our work in McKenzie County

Hi! If you are seeing this give us a like, invite a friend, or a share! Watch our page for more information soon.

07/04/2026

Meet Our Newest Team Member!

We are so excited to welcome Sadie Kieson-Opperud, LCSW, to the Families Flourish ND team!

Sadie joins us with a passion for supporting children and families through prevention, education, and mental health services. We are grateful to have her on our team.

Read more about Sadie in her introduction below, and help us give her a warm welcome! 💙

06/17/2026

📢 Now Available: 2026 “Protecting Our Children” Guide

We’re excited to share that our updated 2026 Protecting Our Children: A Guide to Preventing Child Sexual Abuse is now printed and available online. This comprehensive guide equips caregivers, parents, educators, and community members with practical tools to help keep children safe.

Inside the guide, you’ll find:
Clear explanations of child sexual abuse, myths, and facts
Healthy child development information
Practical strategies for keeping kids safe
Guidance on body safety, consent, and trusted adults
Warning signs, grooming, and red flag behaviors
Tips for online safety
Age-appropriate conversations as children grow
Ready-to-use resources, activities, and handouts, including:
✔ Body safety poster
✔ Conversation cards
✔ Internet safety reminders
✔ Guidance for schools and organizations
✔ What to do if a child discloses abuse
This guide is designed to support prevention through education, awareness, and action.

🔗 Check it out here: https://www.pcand.org/child-sexual-abuse-prevention-1

Together, we can create safer environments where children are protected, informed, and empowered. 💙