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A local child abuse prevention group is partnering with dozens of schools across Maryland to help prevent abuse linked to the issuance of report cards.

The Family Tree's "Keep Your Cool In School" program includes guides to help children successfully complete home assignments and avoid an adult's violent reaction to perceived failures around this time of year when the first report card is handed out.

"There are some studies that have been conducted that says right after the report cards go out that child abuse does increase quite a bit," said Patricia Cronin, executive director of the Charles Village-based nonprofit group. "If parents know they have some choices rather than losing their temper... that there can be other remedies rather than raising their voice or having children be fearful."

This is the second year for the campaign that has linked with schools in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Caroline, Harford, Howard and Prince George's counties.

Cronin said while The Family Tree was pleased with last year's results, they want to continue to give parents more information to help their children do better in school.

The campaign also includes a poster highlighting child abuse dangers around this time of year. The poster depicts a child stating "last year I got 2 Ds, 3 Cs and a black eye".

Other elements of the program that will run throughout the school year include information for teachers on ways to recognize and report abuse. 

"Even if your child isn't having difficulty right now, you can hold on to it because report cards come out four times a year," said Cronin. "It's an opportunity to keep in mind that the report card is one time that you can really work with your schools to make sure that each child is successful."

Cronin said child abuse can also spike outside of the first report card distribution.

"It's the spring report card, that marking period, where it's the highest level of worry for parents about how well their child is performing," said Cronin. "That's when we want parents to reach out to their friends and other supporters in the community so that they don't lose their temper or lose opportunities for their child to succeed."