SALIDA, Colo – April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, an annual observance across the United States dedicated to raising awareness and preventing child abuse. Local activities across Chaffee County are being offered this month to help people understand that abuse prevention only happens in partnership.
“Building A Hopeful Future, Together,” is the theme of this year’s CAP awareness and impact campaign, led by Prevent Child Abuse America and state chapters and local partners that make up its national network, including Chaffee County. The campaign focuses on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families across the nation, and reinforcing that the well-being and healthy development of children and families is a shared responsibility, as it is crucial for the future health of not only individuals and communities, but for the state of Colorado and the whole nation.
Chaffee County partners, with support from Chaffee County’s Department of Human Services’ Family and Youth Initiatives (FYI), have organized activities for community education and engagement. Lapel pins and pinwheels, the national symbol of child abuse prevention to reflect the commitment to the hope, health and safety of our children, are available at local businesses in Salida and Buena Vista. Pre-school students are participating in an art project which will be displayed at the Salida Early Childhood Center and The Grove in Buena Vista. The public is also invited to attend events April 10th, 4:30-5:30pm, at Boys and Girls Club, 516 E Main Street, Buena Vista and April 24th, 4:30-5:30pm, at Boys and Girls Club, 709 Palmer Street in Salida. These free, family-friendly events aim to foster community and family bonding with games, a collaborative art project, educational resources, and pizza for all.
The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System recently released a national report showing that Colorado had 33,362 children abuse cases reported in 2021 with a total Referrals Rate of 80.3 per 1,000 children. Because of concerning statistics like these, FYI implores everyone who lives in Colorado to commit during CAP month to take steps to improve this ranking and work collectively to ensure all children and families are living safe and happy lives with hope for the future.
Chaffee County Family and Youth Initiatives encourages Chaffee County to lift all families up throughout Child Abuse Prevention month and beyond because childhood lasts a lifetime. FYI believes all community members have a responsibility in ensuring children have positive experiences and that our families have the resources they need when they need them, before they are in crisis. Collectively, these small steps will help create better brighter futures for children and families across Colorado.
Contact Chaffee County Family and Youth Initiatives, https://www.chaffeecountyfyi.org or 719-530-2583 and learn how you can get involved and help make a positive difference.
