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. Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund and Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming 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 a Hopeful Future, Together.”
“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 Sara Serelson, Executive Director. 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.”
Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.
“Child abuse, neglect and prevention only happens in partnership. 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,” said Dr. Melissa Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America.
Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming recommends local community members help raise awareness and impact through the following simple action items this April and beyond:
● Wear BOOTS every Monday and BLUE every Friday in April to show support for children and families as we build momentum throughout Child Abuse Prevention Month. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WYKidsMatter.
● Follow Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming on social media and share our posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #WYKidsMatter, BuildingTogether, #HopefulFutures, and #CAPMonth2024 to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.
● Reach out to your neighbors, friends, and family members and offer support and recognition in the challenges that parenting brings.