April is Child Abuse Prevention Month!

Lieutenant Governor and CDHS Staff Kick Off National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Capitol

We all play a role in strengthening families to help prevent child abuse and neglect!

1 in 5 Colorado parents say they feel like they have no one they can turn to for day-to-day emotional support in raising children. It's part of the reason advocates, organizations and elected officials join together each year to raise awareness.

DENVER (April 3, 2018) — Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne and Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) staff joined community partners, county leaders and advocates today to kick off National Child Abuse Prevention Month at the State Capitol. The occasion reinforced the importance of individuals and communities working together to keep kids safe and families healthy.

The event also featured remarks by community members such as a librarian, a local business owner and the founder of a unique moms’ group to highlight the fact that everyone can play a role in strengthening families, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent child abuse from happening in the first place.

These individuals emphasized how a single person can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of both kids and families. Some examples they highlighted of ways individuals, businesses and communities can support families include:

• A family member offering to babysit so parents can get a little break
• A friend or neighbor shoveling snow or raking leaves for a young family to lighten their load
• Recreation centers hosting playgroups
• Local libraries offering story times for young children
• Employers allowing for flexibility with schedules when possible

"We all play a role in strengthening families," said Lieutenant Governor and Chief Operating Officer Donna Lynne. "I encourage every adult to get involved to prevent child abuse and neglect, even if you are not raising a child or working with families."

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