April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we encourage all child care professionals to raise awareness as you have such a critical role in supporting children and families in your community. As a mandatory reporter, if you are concerned about possible child abuse and neglect, trust your gut and call 844-CO-4-Kids. Risk factors for child abuse and neglect include social isolation, family stress, parenting stress, financial uncertainty and insecurity, and the absence of child care or school.
You can do many things with children, staff, and families to contribute to this effort to promote child abuse prevention. Here are some ideas for you to consider engaging in throughout April:
Participate in Pinwheels for Prevention
Every day, we help positive childhood experiences take root. Planting pinwheels represent the bright childhoods we all want for children. Illuminate Colorado leads the effort to distribute pinwheels throughout our state to raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse and strengthening families. This year, they are giving away 40,000 free pinwheels to inspire Coloradans to grow a better tomorrow for all children, together. Request Pinwheels Here
April 1 | Wear Blue Day 2021
The Kempe Center is participating in Wear Blue Day 2021 virtually! You can still celebrate child abuse prevention efforts across the country by wearing blue at home and sharing your photos on social media. Share your photos using #WearBlueDay and #GrowingBetterTogether
April 21 | Child Abuse Prevention Spotlight Webinar
Join us for a Child Abuse Prevention Spotlight Webinar, as we bring together subject matter experts and clinicians to share information on trends and resources to support the early childhood community.
Date: April 27, 2021
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
REGISTER
Educate Yourself & Others
- Complete your Mandated Reporter training in PDIS
- Learn the Warning Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
- Get tips on how to calm a crying baby in both English and Spanish
- Review and share Illuminate Colorado’s 50 Ways to Promote Prevention
- Show your support by downloading and printing or sharing these signs from The Kempe Center
- Review and share The Kempe Center’s 30 Ways to Show Kids You Care list and do a coloring activity with a child in your life. Post on social media #preventionispossible
- Please call the toll-free hotline 1-844-CO-4-KIDS to report abuse or neglect and visit. www.co4kids.org for more information
KEY RESOURCES
Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 844-CO-4-KIDS
CO4Kids (Spanish)
Illuminate Colorado
Children’s Hospital Colorado
National Child Abuse Prevention Month Outreach Toolkit
The Kempe Center
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By Theresa Rapstine, MS, RN