Project ABC Launches Public Service Announcement to Strengthen The Relationship Between Young Children And Their Parents And Caregivers

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Sep 29, 2015, 02:36 ET

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Relationships matter, even before they have words. This is one of the key messages for parents and caregivers of young children in a new Public Service Announcement produced by Project ABC (About Building Connections), an innovative, federally-funded program designed to optimize the social and emotional development of children in their earliest years, as well as strengthen a community-based, cross-cultural system of care to support their mental health.

Project ABC launches "Relationships Matter" PSA campaign to highlight the importance of the relationship between young children and their caregivers. The "Toddlers Know What They Want" PSA is targeted toward parents of children 12-24 months old.

The "Toddlers Know What They Want" PSA is part of a series called "Relationships Matter" that uses a playful approach to remind parents that opportunities to connect with our children are missed when we get distracted. The PSA is targeted to families with children 12-24 months old.

"More than a call to action, this project is a call to awareness, reminding adults about the value of attunement and how it can influence our reactions, as well as its overall impact on our children's mental health needs," says Project ABC Director Richard Cohen. "The PSA is also about the benefits of engaging families in education and prevention at the beginning of their children's lives."

Created in collaboration with the non-profit organization Picture Alternatives, "Relationships Matter: Toddlers Know What They Want" is available in 30, 60 and 90 second formats; and in three languages: English, Spanish, and Khmer. The PSA is a valuable tool for raising family and community awareness; building skills among professional audiences; and informing the general public. It can be used in a variety of multi-media environments, including websites and social media with the hashtag #RelationshipsMatter. The PSA can be found on YouTube at http://bit.ly/1P46Miq as well as on the projectabc-la.org website.

Project ABC is a collaboration of Children's Institute, Inc., For The Child, the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, TIES for Families, and the USC School of Social Work. Project ABC is funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). projectabc-la.org.

Children's Institute, Inc. (CII) helps children in Los Angeles's most challenged communities heal from the trauma of family and community violence, build the confidence and skills to break through the barriers of poverty, and grow up to lead healthy, productive lives. Established in 1906, CII now serves more than 24,000 children and families in Los Angeles County through treatment, youth development, family support and early childhood services. We also inform the larger child welfare field through the research and professional training efforts of the CII Leadership Center. childrensinstitute.org

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT17YWyC4yc&index=3&list=PLD6819m76YRjKpVppEddk0YcEoRhDabVM

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150618/224253LOGO

SOURCE Children's Institute, Inc.