Child Abuse Prevention Month
Every April, Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity for us to learn about the signs of child abuse and ways to prevent it.
Nationwide, communities come together in support of families and children. Outreach programs, resources, and activities provide wonderful tools that help us all to recognize abuse and neglect. With every opportunity, we instill hope in families and victims, drawing one step closer to healing wounds and preventing childhood abuse and neglect.
In 2024, the theme of National Child Abuse Prevention Month is “Building a Hopeful Future Together.”
Gov. Doug Burgum Declares April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
North Dakota’s Governor Doug Burgum has taken a significant step in advocating for the safety and well-being of children by signing a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This proclamation underscores the state’s commitment to raising awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect. By officially recognizing this month, Governor Burgum highlights the need for collective action to protect the most vulnerable members of society and create a safe environment where children can thrive. This initiative serves as a reminder that safeguarding children is not just a responsibility of individuals, but a shared obligation of the entire community. Through education, support, and collaboration, North Dakota continues to strive towards a future where every child grows up in a nurturing and secure environment.
Events
CAP Month Radio
- Date: April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th
- Purpose: By listening live, you will learn from industry experts how to identify child abuse and ways that you can help prevent it.
- How to Participate: Listen to 95.5 FM every Friday in April!
- Impact: After listening to the show, listeners will become Child Abuse Prevention advocates and will be able to help spread awareness to their networks!
A Promise to Protect
- Date: April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th
- Purpose: The video series will teach you from industry experts how to identify child abuse and how you can help prevent it.
- How to Participate: Watch each video every Friday in April on our Facebook page or down below!
- Impact: After watching the videos, viewers will become Child Abuse Prevention advocates and will be able to help spread awareness to their networks!
Connect-4-Family
- Date: April 13th
- Purpose: This event will help families learn about Child Abuse Prevention while in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
- How to Participate: Come to West Acres Mall from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for family-friendly activities, crafts, and educational sessions.
- Impact: Families will learn about ways to keep their children safe and also know ways to help prevent child abuse in our community.
Wear Blue Day
- Date: April 5th
- What You Can Do: Dress in blue to stand in solidarity with child abuse prevention efforts.
- Get Social: Capture the moment and share it on your social media platforms. Use the hashtag #WearBlueDay2024 to join the nationwide wave of support.
- Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to participate and raise awareness about the importance of preventing child abuse.
Digital Advocacy Day
- Date: April 16th
- Purpose: A call to action to contact your member of Congress and advocate for increased support and funding for child abuse prevention programs.
- How to Participate: We provide easy-to-follow guidelines and templates for reaching out to your representatives effectively.
- Impact: Your voice can influence policy changes and bring critical issues in child welfare to the forefront of legislative agendas.
Social Media Engagement
You can actively follow and share our content throughout April. It’s an easy way to support RRCAC and National Child Abuse Prevention Month at no cost!
Engage: Comment, like, and discuss posts to boost visibility. Your interaction can lead to a broader awareness and community involvement.
Follow us: Follow and subscribe to increase visibility and engagement.
Video Series
- Date: April 5th
- Expert: Julie Martin, Prevention Coordinator
- Topic: Welcome, Help Children Report, and Inhibit Opportunity
- Date: April 12th
- Expert: Lindsay Schneider, LBSW, Mental Health Advocate
- Topic: Help Children Build Resistance
- Date: April 19th
- Expert: Morgan Wiedmeier, BSN, RN, SANE-P, CCRN | Sanford CARE Clinic
- Topic: Body Safety
- Date: April 26th
- Expert: Julie Martin, Prevention Coordinator
- Topic: Recap and Thank you
Action Items
Stand to Protect Training
Empower your team with essential knowledge and skills to protect children by booking a Stand to Protect training with our expert, Julie Martin, Prevention Coordinator at Red River Children’s Advocacy Center.
Get Involved TODAY!
The RRCAC offers many ways to get involved, including sponsorships, volunteering, and donating! To learn more, please schedule a meeting with Heidi Schultz, the RRCAC’s Development Director!
Thank you
Thank you, Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota (PCAND) and North Dakota Health and Human Services, for your invaluable support and funding towards our Child Abuse Prevention Month events. Your dedication to protecting children and families in our community is truly commendable. Together, we are making a difference and fostering a safer environment for all children to thrive. Your partnership is instrumental in our efforts, and we are grateful for your continued collaboration.