ICAN/ICAN ASSOCIATES PRESENTS THE 2013 CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION POSTER ART CONTEST

THEME: LET’S TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILDREN

Contest is open to all 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade Students

POSTERS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY: FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

25 AWARDS FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

The Winners and Finalists will be honored in April 2013

Visit the ICAN Associates Website at: www.ican4kids.org

APRIL IS NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

The ICAN/ICAN Associates Child Abuse Prevention Month Poster Contest focuses on the health and well-being of children and provides a comfortable forum for discussion in the classroom. This contest emphasizes the importance of child abuse prevention and gives children the ability to convey it to others through their art. Physical and emotional abuse can be reduced with education and awareness and the ICAN/ ICAN Associates Poster Contest is a public awareness campaign that addresses this critical need for protecting and educating our children.

WINNERS, FINALISTS, AND THEIR TEACHERS will be invited to participate in the Announcement of Child Abuse Prevention Month when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meet in April, 2013.

The posters of the winners and finalists have been previously exhibited at:

ICAN Policy Committee Meeting Reception ICAN Annual Grief and Loss Conference State Department of Social Services Family Violence Division of the District Attorney’s Office, Criminal Courts Building HOWS Markets, Pasadena and North Hollywood Frances Howard Goldwyn Hollywood Library Los Angeles County Office of Education/Selected District Offices Los Angeles County Ed Edelman Children's Court ICAN/ICAN Associates “Nexus” Training Conference

RULES pertaining to this event are enclosed. If you need any further information, please contact Beverly Kurtz or Sabina Alvarez at (626) 455-4585.

ICAN POSTER CONTEST 2013

THEME: LET’S TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILDREN

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DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

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CONTEST OPEN TO ALL 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH GRADE STUDENTS

AWARDS (If more than one person works on a poster, the award must be split between the participants)

• 1 Grand Prize Winning Poster $100 for Student $100 for Teacher/Classroom ICAN Certificate for each

• 4 Winning Posters $40 for Student $40 for Teacher/Classroom ICAN Certificate for each

• 20 Finalist Posters $25 for Student $25 for Teacher/Classroom ICAN Certificate for each

• 11” x 17” color copy of winning and finalist posters

• ICAN Certificate of Merit for all participating students

ICAN POSTER CONTEST RULES

POSTER REQUIREMENTS: MAXIMUM SIZE: 11” x 17” -- DO NOT FOLD

• All entries must be on paper or board no larger than 11” x 17” • Color or black and white • Drawing, painting, computer art, or mixed media • A STUDENT ENTRY FORM must be attached to the back of each individual entry (No Staples Please) • THE LIST OF ENTRIES FORM must include all the names, correctly spelled and legible to ensure that the names on all the certificates are correct • ARTWORK MUST BE MAILED FLAT – DO NOT FOLD

SUBMIT ALL ENTRIES BY FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 TO: ICAN Associates Poster Contest 4024 North Durfee Avenue El Monte, California 91732

If you have any questions, please contact Beverly Kurtz or Sabina Alvarez at (626) 455-4585.

SELECTION PROCESS: Twenty-five finalists will be chosen by the ICAN Poster Committee. Final judging will be by public dignitaries and professionals from the art community. One grand prize winner and four winners will be selected from the twenty- five finalists.

We will assume that parents have approved the poster submission for the contest. Letters will be sent to the parents of all the finalists requesting approval of exhibition and use.

THE POSTERS OF THE WINNERS AND FINALISTS WILL BE EXHIBITED

UPON RECEIPT OF PARENTAL APPROVAL, ICAN SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO DISPLAY, DISTRIBUTE, AUCTION, AND OTHERWISE PRODUCE OR REPRODUCE ANY AND ALL ARTWORK SUBMITTED PURSUANT TO THESE RULES AND ALL FINALIST ENTRIES SHALL BECOME THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF ICAN ASSOCIATES.

THEME: LET’S TAKE CARE OF OUR CHILDREN (THEME TOPIC FOR TEACHERS TO DISCUSS WITH STUDENTS)

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN

1. Children’s basic needs for health and safety:  A good home environment –Adequate medical care, food, clothing, shelter, and above all, love and kindness. Peace and harmony begin at home.  Newborns and toddlers are children that need special care and constant supervision from the moment they are born.  Newborns are safest when they sleep near their parents, but not in the same bed. Bedsharing with infants or placing an infant in a cluttered crib has been linked to tragic deaths in which babies suffocate.

2. Child Safety:  The leading cause of serious injury in children under 4 years old are falls.  The leading causes of death among children under 4 years old are drowning and pedestrian deaths.

3. It shouldn’t hurt to be a child. Ways to recognize child abuse and neglect, and abusive situations.

4. How abusive situations can be avoided.

SOME EXAMPLES:

1. SAFE SLEEPING TIPS FOR NEWBORNS:  The back to sleep position is the safest for naps and at night. There is no increased risk of choking (back to sleep).  “Tummy Time is Awake Time”  Babies should always be placed on a firm sleep surface such as a crib mattress.  Babies should never be placed on a couch or on pillows, quilts or other soft surfaces to sleep.  Parents should always put their babies back in the crib or bassinet before they fall asleep.  Soft items should always be kept away from babies faces.

2. SAFE HAVEN LAW  Safely surrender unwanted newborns to hospitals and fire departments within the first 72 hours (3 days) of birth.  Parents can give up their baby safely and confidentially without fear of their identities being revealed. Once the parent has safely turned over the baby, they are free to go.  The purpose of the Safely Surrendered Baby Law is to protect babies from being abandoned by their parents and potentially being hurt or killed.

3. CYBER CRIME PREVENTION  Everything written on the Internet is public information and can be read by anyone online so users should think before they post.  Never say bad things about other people online and practice good etiquette.  Cyber pals are strangers. Never agree to get together with someone you meet online.  Tell a parent, teacher, or trusted adult if you see anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.

4. CYBERBULLYING Bullying can happen anywhere: face-to-face, by text message or on the web. It is not limited to age, gender, or education level. It is not a phase and it is not a joke.  Using the Internet, mobile phones or other digital technologies can cause as much harm to others as physical bullying.  Always think about what you post or say. Do not share secrets, photos or anything that might be embarrassing to you or others.  If you or someone you know is being cyberbullied, talk with someone you trust.  Do not respond to cyberbullying. If someone has posted or sent a message that could be hurtful to others, refuse to pass it along or respond to it.  Block the person who is cyberbullying you.  Report the incident to your school. They may be able to help you resolve the cyberbullying or be watchful for face-to-face bullying.  Ask for help. Sometimes talking to a counselor or health professional can help you get through the emotional effects of bullying.

5. BULLYING Keep in mind that no one deserves to be bullied. Bullying can cause lasting harm. Students who are the target of bullying or who witness incidents of bullying often do not know how to react. Classroom discussion and activities help students learn how to react appropriately and safely.  Try to avoid engaging in acts of bullying and seek help from an adult.  Report bullying incidents you witness at school to an adult.  Encourage others to report bullying incidents and help them report if they cannot do it alone.  Support someone who has been hurt by offering kind words in private.  Show your disappointment in the behavior by not joining in while someone publicly humiliates, teases, or harasses another and do not participate in the gossip or rumors being spread.

6. Parents need to follow and teach CAR SAFETY RULES:  Never start your car until you know where all your children are. Check around, behind and under your car.  Children should never play in or around cars.  Never leave your child in the car alone, even for a minute. Always take your child with you.

7. POSITIVE PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIPS help a child feel significant, valued and secure. It only takes a minute to brighten a child’s life. Parents need to:  Feed me, keep me safe and warm.  Talk to me, teach me how to play, play with me and listen when I talk.  Be patient with me – don’t use words that hurt – use words that help.  Encourage me, believe in me and tell me you love me.

8. Always let an adult know where you are.

9. Trust your inner voice if something seems wrong.

10. Tell an adult you trust, such as a relative, mentor, favorite teacher, principal, family friend or school nurse when you are afraid or confused or if someone is bothering you.

11. Never go with a stranger. Run or yell if a stranger tries to force you to go somewhere.

12. Keep your doors locked during the day. Do not open doors for strangers or tell anyone at the door that you are alone.

13. Use the “buddy system.” Walk or play with other children. Do not go to public places, especially restrooms, alone.

14. Seek help from ushers, salesclerks, security guards or police officers if you become separated from friends or adults, especially in a crowd.

15. BREAK THE SILENCE: NEVER KEEP BAD SECRETS  Some secrets are not worth keeping! Never keep secrets about touches that hurt or confuse you.  Know the difference between good and bad secrets.  Silence can only hurt you and help the abuser.  Say “No!” to an unwanted touch.  Use your voice. Yell or scream to warn others of danger.  Help a friend tell someone if they’re afraid or hurt.

16. Know how to dial the CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE NUMBER: 1-800-540-4000.

17. SUICIDE PREVENTION for Schools in Los Angeles County. The website below is dedicated to educating school district personnel, parents and students on the subject of suicide prevention:  http://preventsuicide.lacoe.edu  For immediate help contact 911 or 1-800-727-4727 (24 hour Crisis Line)

ALL ARTWORK MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013 The List of Entries Form All names must be correctly spelled and legible to ensure the certificates are correct.

School: Address:

Phone: ( ) Fax: ( ) Teacher: Principal: Email: Email: Student Name (Please print legibly or type) Grade 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

Number of Participating Students ______Number of Posters ______

ICAN POSTER CONTEST A STUDENT ENTRY FORM – 2013

Name:

Age: ______Grade:

School:

School Address : ______

School Phone: ( ) Fax ( )

Teacher:

ATTACH TO BACK OF ARTWORK--DO NOT FOLD OR USE STAPLES

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ICAN POSTER CONTEST A STUDENT ENTRY FORM – 2013

Name: ______

Age: __ Grade: ______

School: ______

School Address:

School Phone: ( ) ___ Fax ( ) ______

Teacher: ______

ATTACH TO BACK OF ARTWORK-- DO NOT FOLD OR USE STAPLES ------PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE ENTRY FORMS FILL IN SCHOOL INFORMATION AND THEN XEROX, CUT, AND COMPLETE STUDENT INFORMATION. ATTACH ONE ENTRY FORM TO THE BACK OF EACH INDIVIDUAL ARTWORK