Support the effort to end child maltreatment in April by:
- Wear Blue on April 4 and share an image on social media.
- Attend the ECCS or CIP monthly training session.
- Attend the Legal Workshop or Ray of Hope Event.
- Download and customize graphics and templates for social media and email.
- Refresh your knowledge with the Recognizing and Reporting Child Maltreatment online course.

South Dakota Wear Blue Day to Prevent Child Abuse
Wear blue! Join us in sharing your support, by wearing blue on April 4 and sharing an image on social media.
Ray of Hope: Child Abuse Prevention Event
April 15: Ray of Hope event
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.
Legal Workshop
April 3: Legal Workshop
The 4th 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 this event. This is a free learning opportunity, to be held at the Muenster University Center in Vermillion.
Court Improvement Program Training
April 30: Understanding the Impact of Maltreatment on Child Development
Join us for our April session of the Court Improvement Program. Exploration of the impact of stressors experienced during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Session participants will: understand the effect of stress on a child’s brain development; recognize and understand the physical and behavioral health effects of violence, neglect and abuse, including mental health impacts; and understand the impact of child maltreatment on suicide ideation, attempt, and completion.
Partner Event: Henry’s Run
To raise awareness and funds for child abuse prevention. All proceeds benefit Sanford Children’s Child’s Voice, a South Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center.
2025 Graphics and Templates:
Download zip file of graphics and templates.
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/
Preparing a Child Witness for Court
Presented by Lara Roetzel, SD Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault.
Overview of Brackeen v Haaland
Presented by Sheldon Spotted Elk and Jack Trope, Casey Family Programs.
Multidiscplinary Teams
Multidiscplinary Teams Presenters: Brittany Novotny, Children’s Advocacy Centers [...]
Huron Safety Plan Project
Presented by Dawn Johnson, Regional Manager for Child Protection Services, Department of Social Services and Winter Hendrickson, Foster Parent.
Legislative Update
Presented by Carrie Sanderson, Director, Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment.
The Role of a Parent and Child Attorney in Child Welfare Cases
Presented by Nicole Laughlin, Laughlin Law.