Growing a Better Tomorrow for All Children, Together

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and maltreatment and promotes the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. Each year, April is full of opportunities to support local services whose mission is helping South Dakota children and families who have experienced harm.

During this month and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to increase awareness and provide education and support to families through resources and strategies to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Events

Legal Workshop

March 28: 2nd Annual Legal Workshop: Trauma-Informed Approaches to Working with Clients

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Legal Workshop. This FREE workshop is intended for law students, legal professionals, and others interested in better understanding trauma-informed approaches in legal proceedings. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The 2nd Annual Legal Workshop is sponsored by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System Court Improvement Program. CPCM and the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law are partner organizations for the event.

South Dakota Wear Blue Day to Prevent Child Abuse

April 4

On April 4, wear blue! We are “Growing a Better Tomorrow For All Children, Together.” Join us in sharing your support, by wearing blue on April 4 and sharing an image on social media.

  • Arc of Dreams in Sioux Falls will be lit blue April 4-7.
  • Main Street Square in Rapid City will be lit blue on April 4.

Ray of Hope: Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast

April 4: https://sdcpcm.com/ray-of-hope/

Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment (CPCM) invites you to join us in commemorating this important month by raising awareness of how we can help our fellow South Dakotans know about, respond to, and prevent child maltreatment.

Conference Trainings Open for Access

All Month

During the month of April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, CPCM is opening access to view 2022 Community Response to Child Abuse Conference Sessions! This is an opportunity for those who were unable to attend the conference to access these valuable training sessions.

Increased Risk of Maltreatment for Children with Disabilities (free training)

April 17

Child abuse, maltreatment, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are serious public health concerns that can have long-term impacts on health, opportunity, and well-being. This presentation will provide a brief introduction to the work of CPCM and the SD Center for Disabilities, and discuss the increased risk of maltreatment for children with disabilities. Learn more: https://sdcpcm.com/event/increased-risk-of-maltreatment-for-children-with-disabilities/ 

Court Improvement Program Training

April 26: Civil vs Criminal Child Abuse and Neglect Cases presented by Colleen Moran in conjunction with the State Bar

Become a Blue Ambassador

Contribute to the success of this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month by joining our Blue Ambassadors team.  We’ll send you compelling content that you can share with your networks through the month of April!  All you have to do is share the content with your friends on social media or by email. A form to sign up is included below.

New this year! Blue Ambassadors will receive “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” bundles to spread the word about this resource in their communities!

Questions? Contact [email protected] for additional information.

Here are a few other opportunities to support child abuse prevention in April:

Blue Ambassador Sign-Up Form 

Resource Guide

Graphics and Templates:

Download graphics zip file. Includes 25 graphics.

Download email template. Insert into preferred email client to edit.

Download templates pdf file. Includes graphics captions for social media, additional social media content, email template, news release template.

Social Media Follow and Share:

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDCPCM
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sdcpcm/

South Dakota Resources:

  • https://dss.sd.gov/childprotection/nationalchildabuse.aspx

National Resources:

  • https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/