Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. At The Kempe Center, we bring together a diverse set of disciplines to test theories and assumptions that persist in our field and connect professionals to this information so they can support families and communities to prevent child abuse and neglect. However, we know that it is not one discipline's problem to solve. We can all play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect. Our founder C. Henry Kempe said, "our children's future and our world's future are one." Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. Let us strengthen our efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect together!
Research conducted by Prevent Child Abuse America shows a majority of Americans -- more than half of the general public and two-thirds of all parents -- are willing to become involved in preventing child abuse and neglect. But, they also feel they lack the knowledge and skills to intervene safely and effectively. Together, we can build stronger communities; influence children's healthy development, and help children be safe by championing their families to be resilient and strong. Check out these resources on how you can support families in your community and take responsibility for understanding and preventing child abuse and neglect!
CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT PREVENTION RESOURCES
- Access the Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit!
Spread awareness about child abuse prevention throughout the month of April by using the images, talking points, and other resources in this Pinwheels for Prevention Community Partner Toolkit from Illuminate Colorado. Follow #GrowingBetterTogether to Connect to the Movement in Your Community!
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Child Abuse Prevention Resource Library
The majority of child abuse and neglect cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable when community programs and systems are engaged, supportive, and include services focusing on parental resilience, trauma history, nurturing and attachment, social connections, knowledge about parenting, and child development, social and emotional competence of children, and concrete supports for parents. In recognition of this important topic, NCTSN has compiled a list of resources for children and families, educators, advocates and policymakers, child welfare and juvenile justice professionals, and mental health providers.
- The Children's Bureau Prevention Resource Guide:
The 2021/2022 Prevention Resource Guide is designed to help services providers and organizations in every community, to strengthen families, and prevent child abuse and neglect. The Resource Guide focuses on protective factors that build on family strengths to foster healthy child and youth development. Visit the National Child Abuse Prevention Month Page on the Children's Bureau website to download the complete guide.
- Reframing Childhood Adversity: Promoting Upstream Approaches
In this webinar from Prevent Child Abuse America, Dr. Julie Sweetland, senior advisor at the FrameWorks Institute, takes you on a guided tour of her timely and powerful new strategic brief, “Reframing Childhood Adversity: Promoting Upstream Approaches.” This highly accessible and actionable guide takes recent science and current communications contexts into account, speaks more directly to racial and social justice, and aligns with efforts to reimagine child welfare systems into child well-being systems. The brief also offers guidance for communicating about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and strategies to help the public see how prevention works.
- Promote Prevention in Your Life: 50 Ways to Make a Difference
Illuminate Colorado provides a detailed list of ways that everyone can promote prevention in their communities. Check out their 50 Ways to Make a difference to Learn More!
- 10 Supportive Phrases all Moms Need to Hear:
Being a parent is hard, and we all need reassurance sometimes. Check out this list of supportive phrases that can reassure parents on those difficult days. HERE
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH EVENTS
- National Wear Blue Day & Child Abuse Prevention Month Launch: April 1, 2021 - 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Join CO4Kids, Governor Jared Polis, Colorado counties, community partners, and the people of Colorado for the virtual launch of National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Wear Blue Day. While we can't be together in person, you can still celebrate child abuse prevention efforts across the country by wearing blue at home and sharing your photos on social media. Share your photos using #WearBlueDay and #GrowingBetterTogether.
- World Day for Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Abuse: April 8, 2021 - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
April 8 is World Day for Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Abuse — every survivor and their loved ones need access to healing and resilience services. Join other adults in our community in this FREE two-hour interactive online training to create a new standard of child safety in your community and throughout Colorado.
- Bringing Protective Factors to Life in Your Community: April 19, 2021 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Every day, you can plant seeds for all children to grow up happy and healthy. Join this FREE two-hour interactive introductory course to learn how to bring the protective factors to life at home, work, and in your community. Research has shown the five "protective factors" have the power to prevent and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. When family, friends, neighbors, and employers increase these five protective factors for ALL families, we grow a better tomorrow for all children together.
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- Advocacy Day: April 21, 2021 - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Join Prevent Child Abuse America and their partners for a digital advocacy day. Contact your elected officials and spread the word about policy change vital to the well-being of children and their families. You can use your voice to support children and families on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and email. You will encourage the public and policymakers to act on issues that increase positive childhood experiences and prevent child abuse and neglect.
Kempe Café - CAP Month Edition: Thursday, April 29, 10:00 am (MST)
In honor of April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, Kempe’s Café is re-opening its doors! Join us for a multi-disciplinary conversation about possibilities for prevention and the power of prevention in causing change for children and families. Rethink the roles that support children and families. Discuss what real help might look like for these families. With your fellow professionals from all disciplines, identify opportunities where you can step up and promote prevention before an official response is made.
REGISTER NOW!
