ChildAbuse Prevention Begins with Presence

By: Dr. Toshiba Mitchell, Program Director, LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services

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At LSF Miami Bridge, we firmly adhere to the belief that children are one of our greatest gifts. They are the future of our community. Therefore, every child deserves a childhood filled with safety, love, and opportunity. Unfortunately for too many children, that future is threatened by abuse and neglect—often hidden behind closed doors and veiled in silence.

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April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. This is a time when as a community and a nation, presence is critical. Collectively our efforts are needed to shine a light on this disturbing and heartbreaking issue. At LSF Miami Bridge, our mission is dedicated to protecting, empowering, and uplifting youth—every single day.

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As a lifelong advocate for children, this cause holds deep personal and professional meaning for me. The safety and well-being of young people is not just part of my job, it’s in my heart. Every statistic represents a child who deserves to be heard, a life filled with potential, and a future that must be safeguarded.

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Abuse, especially sexual abuse, thrives in secrecy and shame. That’s why awareness matters. It can open the door for difficult conversations, equip adults with the ability to recognize signs of abuse, and most importantly, empower children to understand that their voice matters.

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Let’s be clear: the numbers are alarming. According to the National Children’s Alliance, nearly 700,000 children are abused or neglected each year in the United States.

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In 2024, Florida had 24,918 confirmed child abuse victims, with the majority being female (14,728). In 2022 (the latest reviewed data), 471 child fatalities were reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Behind every number is a child who needs someone to speak up, step in, and stand by them.

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At LSF Miami Bridge, we don’t just provide shelter—we offer sanctuary. Through trauma-informed care, prevention education, and holistic family services, we help young people move from surviving to thriving. Our approach focuses on the following key areas:

1. Emergency Youth Shelters
Our Miami-based campuses are safe havens for youth in crisis. Whether they are escaping abuse, facing homelessness, or enduring family conflict, we provide immediate safety, compassionate care, and access to resources that stabilize their lives.

2. Trauma-Informed Counseling and Support
Healing begins with understanding. Our clinical team offers mental health support tailored

to the unique needs of each child, helping them process trauma, build resilience, and restore trust in themselves and others.

3. Prevention and Outreach Prevention isn’t just possible—it’s essential.

Our outreach programs in schools and communities are designed to educate young people and caregivers on healthy relationships, boundaries, and how to seek help when needed.

4. Family Reunification and Stabilization

When it is safe and appropriate, we work to reunite youth with their families through mediation, parenting education and support services. Strengthening families reduces the risk of future abuse and fosters healthier environments for children to grow.

5. Community Engagement and Advocacy

Lasting change takes all of us. We partner with schools, civic leaders, law enforcement, and fellow community organizations to build a culture that prioritizes the well-being of every child. Through training, awareness campaigns, and community dialogues, we empower others to be protectors and advocates.

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How You Can Help

Child abuse prevention requires all of us. This April, and every day, I invite you to:

· Learn the signs of abuse and neglect

· Listen to children with compassion and belief

· Speak up when something doesn’t feel right

· Support organizations like ours that work daily to protect and uplift youth

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Prevention begins with presence. When we choose to see, to listen, and to act, we become the protectors every child deserves. Advocacy isn’t just a role—it’s a responsibility to speak for those still finding their voice.

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Together, we can break the cycles of trauma and build a community where every child is seen, safe, and supported.

Let April be more than a month of awareness. Let it be a call to action that we answer with an unwavering commitment to the children who depend on us.

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Dr. Toshiba L. Mitchell is Program Director of LSF Miami Bridge Youth & Family Services and is a distinguished educator, leader, and advocate for youth and families.