Child sexual abuse and maltreatment knows no boundary. It is not a socioeconomic problem. It is not a race issue. It happens in every community and in every type of household.
– Carrie Sanderson, Director 
Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment

History

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.

Get Involved!

Be a Blue Ambassador

Last April, CPCM shared one tip each day on social media to help spread the word about how we can work together to end child maltreatment and build resiliency. This year, we will work with community partners to once again sponsor a social media campaign.

If you are interested in helping, sign up to be a Blue Ambassador and contribute to the awareness of your community by joining our Blue Ambassadors Social Media Ambassador program.

Not interested in being an ambassador but still want access to the campaign content?  Be sure to like and follow us on social media!

https://www.facebook.com/SDCPCM/

https://twitter.com/SDCPCM

Participate in SD Wear Blue Day

The “Wear Blue” campaign gained momentum after a grandmother wore a blue ribbon as a tribute to her grandson, who died at the hands of his mother’s abusive boyfriend in Virginia. You can participate in several ways:

  • Join us in wearing blue on April 9, 2019 to express solidarity with survivors of child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment as well as to promote awareness of prevention efforts across the state.
  • Indicate that you are “going” to the SD Wear Blue Facebook Event and share the event with your network.
  • Contribute to public awareness by posting a SD Wear Blue Flyer and organizing a wear blue event in your school, work, and/or community. Post photos and share them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using #SDWearBlue and tag us using @sdcpcm.
  • Add the picture below to your email signature.

Community Events

A great way to observe CAPM is to engage youth, families, and community by hosting an event which draws awareness to the issue of child welfare. Some possible events may include:
  • an open house to highlight services your agency offers
  • an event that promotes wellness (yoga, art therapy, story time)
  • a fundraising or membership drive that supports a youth-serving organization
  • a community education event
  • Already have an April event planned in your community?  Register your CAPM event to have it included in our community event calendar for FREE. All South Dakota community events which support or advance child wellness are eligible to be included. CPCM will also highlight events throughout the month on our social media channels to increase awareness and participation!
  • Interested in hosting an event but not sure where to start? The Children’s Bureau has created activity calendars that parents, programs, and community partners can use to participate in National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Calendars are available in English and Spanish.
    Still need help? Submit an Event Request form and we’ll help you work out the details.
  • Check out our community calendar and attend an event!

We know that South Dakota is FULL of caring communities with amazing people doing wonderful work. We are honored to help in any way to support your efforts to impact your local community.