In 1982, by Presidential Proclamation, April was declared Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since that time, child abuse and neglect awareness activities have been promoted across the country during this month. In 1989 in Virginia, the Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse had its early beginnings in a grandmother's tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse.
The Blue Ribbon Mission
Encourage community and individual involvement in recognizing and preventing child abuse and neglect.
Educate families, children, neighbors, organizations and communities on how to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Assist families in achieving healthy parenting practices through education and resources.
Empower individuals to intervene in abuse and neglect situations when appropriate.
Imagine the Blue Ribbon displayed everywhere - in every school, faith organization, community, business, hospital and home - a symbol that our community is working together to keep kids safe.
Materials available online at www.childwelfare.gov
Safe Children and Healthy Families are a Shared Responsibility
April 2009 Prevention Campaign
Safe Children and Healthy Families...
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, the Commission on Children, Youth and Families encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making San Diego County a better place for families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities.
April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children, everyone's participation is critical. Focusing on ways to promote positive parenting, in every interaction with families, is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Resource Kits are made available each year in the month of March. This year (2009) we had an overwhelming response and were able to distribute 100 kits containing over 30,000 pieces of prevention materials to over 30 individuals and organizations.
- A Parent's Guide to "Warning Signs of Children's Problems" (English and Spanish)
- A Parent's Guide to "Early Warning Signs of Teenage Problems" (English and Spanish)
- Safe Sleep Brochure (English and Spanish)
- 10 Ways to be a Great Parent (English)
- Blue Ribbon Lapel Pins
As these prevention items are distributed and displayed in your community, they will help people realize that there are tangible steps they can take to help support families and prevent child abuse. We all have a role in helping make sure that children have the safe, healthy and nurturing environments they deserve to grow up in.