ATLANTA [March 15, 2023] — April is National Child Abuse Prevention [CAP] Month, a time when child wellness and child welfare organizations across the United States elevate the importance of creating systems and programs to put children and families first. Prevent Child Abuse [PCA] Georgia recognizes 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. Too often, our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone,” said PCA Georgia Executive Director Jennifer Stein. “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 Georgia, its national organization, Prevent Child Abuse America, alongside other chapters, affiliates, and supporting organizations, uses 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 happen in partnership. During this year’s CAP 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,” said Prevent Child Abuse America President and CEO Dr. Melissa Merrick. “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 Georgia invites community members to help raise awareness and impact through the following simple action items this April and beyond:
- Wear blue on March 31, Wear Blue Day, to show support for children and families as we build momentum leading into CAP Month. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2023 hashtag.
- Share the Find Help Georgia online resource hub with families. Users can search online or talk to trained professionals who will connect them with supportive programs in their area.
- Sign up for a training on preventing, recognizing, and responding to child abuse using the Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children, Mandated Reporter Training, Connections Matter, or Strengthening Families’ Protective Factors.
- Plant a virtual pinwheel – the symbol of child abuse prevention – in your community via Pinwheels forPrevention®. All donations are tax-deductible, and funds go directly to your local state chapter to support local children and families.
- Follow Prevent Child Abuse Georgia on social media and share our posts throughout the month of April and beyond. 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.
For more ways to get involved, visit CAP Month Georgia.
About Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
As the state chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia provides statewide direction to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments to prevent child abuse and neglect and has over 30 local councils located throughout the state who advocate and implement prevention practices in their communities. PCA Georgia is applying an intentional equity and racial justice lens to our work. A child’s race, ethnicity, gender, family income, or neighborhood should not predict their future success and well-being. Visit PCAGeorgia.org to learn more.
About Prevent Child Abuse America
A leading champion for all children in the United States, Prevent Child Abuse America is the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect. Through its nationwide network of state chapters and nearly 600 Healthy Families America evidence-based home visiting programs, the organization provides services and resources that improve child health and well-being. Visit preventchildabuse.org to learn more.