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. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.
On March 31, the Biden Administration released a Proclamation to recognize CAP Month. “During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we want every young person in the United States who has faced the fear and pain of abuse or neglect to know they are not alone. We see you and will always fight to protect your safety and well-being. We reaffirm our commitment to listening to children, standing with brave survivors, and reaching out across our communities to support families and to help others in need.”
The Proclamation continues, “It has been said that a Nation is judged by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. Nowhere is that truer than when it comes to protecting our children, making sure they grow up safe from harm and surrounded by love. That is on all of us. For more information on how to recognize and report child abuse or neglect, as well as on how to support loving families and safe communities, visit childwelfare.gov.“
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) also takes this time to align its efforts across the service branches to ensure child and teen safety in the military community. This effort is led by the DOD’s Family Advocacy Program, which develops policy and resources to prevent abuse, ensure victim safety and provide treatment for those impacted by abuse through advocacy, counseling and educational services that promote healthy relationships and parenting.
The nonprofit organization Prevent Child Abuse America has a nationwide digital advocacy day planned for April 19th. Contact your member of Congress to advocate for increased investments for Title II, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grants, of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to provide states and communities the resources to implement community-based solutions to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. You can also SHARE how CBCAP funding has helped improve your communities. Sharing your stories can help everyone, including lawmakers, realize the critical role of CBCAP funding!
#PreventionisPossible
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