Child Abuse Prevention Month highlights partnerships

   April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time when child wellness and child welfare organizations across the U.S. elevate the importance of creating systems and programs that put children and families first. Prevent Child Abuse Iowa recognizes that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign, led by Prevent Child Abuse America and its national network of state chapters, is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”

   “It’s never been truer that communities today need to band together in collective ways to help our families and children thrive,” said Heather Weers, Jones County Community Partnerships for Protecting Children (CPPC)/Family Council coordinator. “Too often, our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone. In reality, we all benefit when groups of people work together to collectively care for children, and this April for Child Abuse Prevention Month, our team is dedicated to bringing new and existing partners and supporters together to support local children and families.”

   Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.

   Throughout CAP Month, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa, its national organization Prevent Child Abuse America, alongside other chapters, affiliates, and supporting organizations are using the metaphor of building blocks and construction to reinforce the concept that prevention cannot and does not happen alone.

   “Child abuse neglect and prevention only happens in partnership,” said Dr. Melissa Merrick, president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America.  “During this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, our nationwide network is on a mission to show how friends and neighbors, parents and caregivers, business leaders and elected officials, educators and community organizations all have a role to play in building bright, safe and successful futures for our nation’s children. There are a number of ways you can get involved in this campaign and there are also some everyday things you can do to help stop abuse or neglect before it starts.”

   Prevent Child Abuse Iowa recommends local community members help raise awareness and impact through the following simple action items this April and beyond:

   • During April, CPPC and Jones County Family Council invites community members to get involved by wearing blue on April 13 for “Jones County Blue Out Day” to promote Child Abuse Awareness Month.

   • Community members can take action for child abuse prevention year-round by joining our board and helping strengthen community relations. You have the power to help every child you interact with each day! Be the ONE!

   • Participate in Prevent Child Abuse, America’s nationwide Digital Advocacy Day, on April 19. Contact your member of congress to advocate for increased investments for Title II, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention grants, of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to provide states and communities the resources to implement community-based solutions to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

   • Follow “Prevent Child Abuse Iowa” on social media and share our posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #BuildingTogether, #PreventionInPartnership, and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.

   • Plant a virtual pinwheel – the symbol of child abuse prevention – in your community through Pinwheels for Prevention. All donations are tax-deductible, and funds go directly to your local state chapter to support local children and families.

   For more ways to get involved in CAP Month, please visit www.preventchildabuse.org/buildingtogether2023.