Division of Family & Children's Services

Mississippi Centralized Intake

1-800-222-8000 | (601) 432-4570


Reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation in the State of Mississippi
www.msabusehotline.com

Blue Ribbon Campaign

2013 Blue Ribbon Order Form
2013 Event Documentation Form
2013 Blue Ribbon Order and Event Documentation Form

The Blue Ribbon Story - In the Spring of 1989, a Chesapeake, Virginia, grandmother began what was to become the Blue Ribbon Campaign. It was a testimonial to her three year old grandson, who was murdered by his mother's abusive boyfriend. Bonnie Finney was the grandmother whose misgivings about the way her grandchildren were being treated were confirmed in the most tragic way. She spoke to a Richmond newspaper reporter about her feelings.

"One day I was just thinking about all the bruises I had seen on my grandchildren. I just decided I was going to tie a blue ribbon on my van. Why blue? I intend never to forget the battered, bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Blue serves as a constant reminder to me to fight for protection for our children."

What is Abuse?

• Emotional/Verbal Abuse is anything said or done that is hurtful or threatening to a child and is the most difficult form of maltreatment to identify.
• Sexual Abuse is any inappropriate touching by a friend, family member, and/or stranger.
• Physical Abuse is any type of contact that results in bodily harm such as bruising, abrasions, breaking bones, internal injuries, burning, missing teeth and skeletal injuries.
• Neglect means not meeting the basic need of the child and is the most common form of maltreatment.

Remember the Risk Factors

Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk factors are greater in families where parents:

• Abuse alcohol and /or drugs
• Are isolated from their families or communities
• Have difficulty controlling their anger or stress
• Appear uninterested in the care, nourishment or safety of their children
• Seem to be having serious economic, housing or personal problems

Home Alone Guidelines for Parents

Before allowing a child to stay "home alone", a parent must take into account the child's age, behavior and judgment. All children are different.

Contact Information

Mississippi Department of Human Services
Division of Family & Children's Services
Administration/Prevention Unit
1-800-345-6347 | (601) 359-4255