HomeMy WebLinkAboutChild Abuse Prevention MonthPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, children are our nation's most vulnerable members as well as our nation's most valuable
resources, helping to shape the future of Jefferson County; and
WHEREAS, positive childhood experiences -like loving caregivers and safe, stable, and nurturing
relationships -can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences to promote the
social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and
WHEREAS, childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects
throughout an individual's lifetime and impact future generations of their family; and
WHEREAS, childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a serious problem affecting every
community in the U.S., and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and
WHEREAS, children who live in families with access to concrete economic and social supports are less
likely to experience abuse and neglect; and
WHEREAS, prevention is possible because of the partnerships created between families, prevention
advocates, child welfare professionals, education, health, community, and faith -based organizations, businesses,
law enforcement agencies, and local, state, and national governments; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that in order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must
work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, center the needs of families, break
down bias and barriers, and inspire action from expected and unexpected partners in prevention; and
WHEREAS, knowing the facts about child sexual abuse can help adults better understand what to look for
and how to prevent it. As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults to the young people in our lives, we play an
important role in protecting them from abuse; and
WHEREAS, we are committed to advancing equitable, responsive, and effective systems that ensure all
children and families are healthy and thriving; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like home
visiting and family -strengthening policies, economic supports, and community -based child abuse prevention
programs at the national, state, and local levels; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners
by proclaim April 2026 as:
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
In Jefferson County, and urge residence to pledge to protect the children we serve and care for in our
community.
APPROVED this 23rd
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Regular Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Adiel McKnight, Deputy Clerk of the Board
DATE: March 23, 2026
SUBJECT: PROCLAMATION re: Proclaiming the month of April 2026 as Child Abuse
Prevention Month
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness and unite
communities to strengthen families, promote positive parenting, and prevent child maltreatment. Child
Abuse Prevention Month in April 2026 focuses on building community, strengthening families, and raising
awareness, often featuring the iconic blue pinwheels representing happy childhoods. Key 2026 initiatives
include "Wear Blue Day" on April 4th, the "Five Days of Action" from April 13-17, and various state -level
advocacy campaigns.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working
together to prevent child abuse and neglect. Prevention services and supports developed by this
collaboration can help parents, other caregivers, and communities protect children and strengthen families
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to Jefferson County.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Proclamation re: Proclaiming the month of April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month
REVIEWED BY:
Jo . Peters, County Administrator Date