La Crosse County Human Services

HALOS
Child Abuse Prevention Task Force

HALOS: The purpose of HALOS (Helping and Lending Outreach Support) is to provide goods, services and opportunities for abuse and neglect victims served by the La Crosse County Human Services Department. Research shows there is a direct link between self esteem and future success. HALOS seeks to raise the self esteem of children who have been victims of maltreatment, thereby increasing their potential for success. HALOS recognizes that there are many religious, civic, community, and business groups and individuals who desire to help the needy in their own community. HALOS provides a mechanism by which these people can significantly make a difference in the lives of victims. HALOS Partners provide LCHSD Social Worker with resources and tangible goods and services that will raise their clients’ self esteem and enhance their life experiences.

Child Abuse Prevention Task Force: La Crosse County has been involved in the Child Abuse Prevention Task Force for the past several years. The task force involves several partnerships with many public and private agencies within the La Crosse community. We recognize that the prevention of child abuse must be a community wide effort. Everyone can help prevent child abuse and neglect. All La Crosse County residents are encouraged to report child abuse and neglect to their county human service agency or law enforcement agency. Certain individuals, based on their professional association with children, must, by law, report any suspected abuse and neglect. Individuals can help by:

Talking to families and friends about using positive parenting strategies, building children's self-esteem and managing stress.
Seeking outside help, such as counseling, from local resources for friends and neighbors who are under stress or in danger of abusing or neglecting children.
Providing support — baby-sitting, playing with children or volunteering with youth-oriented programs — for parents.
Influencing local businesses, religious organizations and social groups to get involved in child abuse and neglect prevention efforts.
Making financial contributions to child abuse and neglect prevention programs in communities.
Volunteering at local community centers and organizations that help prevent child abuse and neglect.
Contacting Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin to find out more about state-wide initiatives and out how to help prevent child abuse and neglect.