9 Ways to Get Involved During Child Abuse Prevention Month

Join us in raising awareness about child abuse and how to prevent it. Here are nine ways to take action:

1. Plant a Virtual Pinwheel

Show your support for Child Abuse Prevention Month by planting a pinwheel in our virtual garden. You can donate in honor of or in memory of a loved one.

2. Download the Calendar

This fun and helpful calendar will give you ideas of an activity for each day in April to participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month. Print it out, save it digitally, or check out our Facebook story for daily activities!

3. Download the Pinwheel Coloring Sheet

This coloring sheet provides information about identifying abuse and neglect in child appropriate language in a fun coloring sheet.

4. Observe Blue Sunday in Your Faith Community

Blue Sunday is the last Sunday in April (April 26th this year), where faith communities commit to praying during the service for victims of child abuse and those who rescue them. Ask your faith leaders to participate in their online or drive-in services.

5. Shop Small, Help BIG

Support our local small businesses AND our mission by bidding on gift cards in our virtual auction.

6. Donate to a Local Domestic Violence Shelter

As you begin your spring cleaning, consider donating your gently used household items and children's toys to a local domestic violence shelter. Always call first to see what is accepted and needed.

7. Talk to Your Kids about COVID-19

Families across the country are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching children positive preventive measures, talking with them about their fears, and giving them a sense of some control over their risk of infection can help reduce anxiety.

8. Become a CASA Volunteer

Our work to advocate for our most vulnerable children will not stop due to social distancing. In fact, we don't believe in "social distancing". We believe in social connecting while physically distancing. Our volunteers are continuing to keep eyes on kids through technology. They are continuing to build relationships by reading stories, playing games, and chatting. They are continuing to write court reports so our judges can make informed decisions. They are continuing to be there for our kids. We are all in this together.

You can volunteer for a child who needs an advocate. Learn more at an upcoming information session.

9. Report Suspected Abuse

Keeping children safe by supporting families and reporting suspected abuse or neglect is everyone’s responsibility. This call to action is not just for families and those who work on behalf of children; rather, it is the sounding of an alarm to the mail carrier, delivery person, grocery store clerk, pastor, drug store cashier, virtual teacher, and next-door neighbor. Will you join us in keeping a watchful eye on our children? ChildHelp National Child Abuse hotline: 1-800-422-4453 https://www.childhelp.org/