2023

What is CAPM?

"Child Abuse Prevention Month"

While every season is a new opportunity to build sturdy foundations for children, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP Month or CAPM) and we ALL have a stake in preparing Connecticut’s children to grow up to be healthy thriving members of our community. Every April, CAP Month recognizes the necessity of communities working together to promote the social and emotional well-being of all children and their families.

Sample Proclamation

April 1, 2023

WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future of [State or Jurisdiction]; and

WHEREAS, childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and

WHEREAS, childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and

WHEREAS, protective factors are conditions that reduce or eliminate risk and promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and

WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community- and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families; and

WHEREAS, communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that build strong children and families; and

WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community in partnership to build awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment; and

WHEREAS, prevention remains the best defense for our children and families.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, _______________________, [Title and Jurisdiction], do hereby proclaim April as NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH in [Location] and urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating ourselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.

Sample Press Release

CONTACT: [Name] [Title] [Email and/or Phone Number]

Child Abuse Prevention Month this April to Highlight the Importance of “Prevention in Partnership”

Connecticut — 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. Prevent Child Abuse [State] recognizes that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign, led by Prevent Child Abuse America and its national network of state chapters, is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”

“It’s never been truer that communities today need to band together in collective ways to help our families and children thrive. Too often, our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone,” said [Chapter Director Name, Job Title]. “, In reality, we all benefit when groups of people work together to collectively care for children, and this April for Child Abuse Prevention Month, our team is dedicated to bringing new and existing partners and supporters together to support local children and families.”

Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.

Throughout CAP Month, Prevent Child Abuse CT, its national organization Prevent Child Abuse America, alongside other chapters, affiliates, and supporting organizations are using the metaphor of building blocks and construction to reinforce the concept that prevention cannot and does not happen alone.

“Child Abuse neglect and prevention only happens in partnership. During this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, our nationwide network is on a mission to show how friends and neighbors, parents and caregivers, business leaders and elected officials, educators and community organizations all have a role to play in building bright, safe and successful futures for our nation’s children,” said Dr. Melissa Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. “There are a number of ways you can get involved in this campaign and there are also some everyday things you can do to help stop abuse or neglect before it starts.”

Prevent Child Abuse CT recommends local community members help raise awareness and impact through the following simple action items this April and beyond:

• ·Wear blue on March 31st, Wear Blue Day, to show support for children and families as we build momentum leading into CAPM. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2023 hashtag.
  
• ·Participate in Prevent Child Abuse America’s nationwide Digital Advocacy Day on April 19. Contact your member of Congress to advocate for increased investments for Title II, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention 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.
• ·Follow Prevent Child Abuse [State] on social media and share our posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #BuildingTogether, #PreventionInPartnership, and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.
• ·Plant a virtual pinwheel – the symbol of child abuse prevention – in your community through Pinwheels for Prevention®. All donations are tax-deductible, and funds go directly to your local state chapter to support local children and families.

For more ways to get involved in CAP Month, please visit www.preventchildabuse.org/buildingtogether2023

Radio PSA Samples

15 Second

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Positive childhood experiences build healthy families and strong communities, and by working together, we can build healthier futures for everyone.

Visit www.preventchildabuse.org to get involved.

30 Second

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Positive childhood experiences build healthy families and strong communities. But when parents and caregivers are overburdened, it can be difficult for them to provide the support their children need. By working together in partnership, we can all help prevent child abuse and build healthy futures for everyone.

Visit www.preventchildabuse.org to get involved.

CAPM 2023

Toolkit

Pinwheels for Prevention Design Competition

CAPM Coloring Sheets

Since 2008, Pinwheels for Prevention® campaigns have provided a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to take action.

Please peruse the virtual Pinwheel Garden and/or purchase a Pinwheel to Support (via the website and link below).

Everyone is invited to participate in our Design Your Own Pinwheel Challenge or simply use the prefabricated coloring sheet (see next two pages of the Toolkit).

For additional ways to get involved, please contact

Prevent Child Abuse Connecticut.

Visit the

Pinwheel Garden

The OEC has compiled a plethora of local support and solutions in their Family Resource Section. During CAPM,

we highly recommend perusing the Child Care & Camps Section. It has everything you need to locate licensed support as well as access Financial Assistance.

https://www.ctoec.org/child-care-and-camps/

With electricity costs in Connecticut soaring, we highly recommend everyone visit EnergizeCT to compare supplier rates, get access to rebates and Financial Support.

The "Rate Board" is simple to navigate and available on mobile.

https://energizect.com/

If your household is eligible, you could receive:

• Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
  
• Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
  
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
  
• A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP*
  

https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/

OEC is a state agency that oversees a network of programs and services that help young children and families thrive.

The Connecticut Chapter of "Prevent Child Abuse America, our mission is to bring an end to

child abuse within our State.

The CCA’s mission is to avail comprehensive statewide services to all child abuse victims and their families through collaboration, systemic change, public awareness, prevention, and legislative advocacy.