Lincoln – Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen signed a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month Tuesday at a ceremony at the State Capitol Building.
“Child abuse and neglect can be reduced by ensuring families have the necessary resources available to them to ensure their children can grow in a safe, stable environment,” Governor Jim Pillen said. “Meaningful child abuse prevention efforts take all of us.”
Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Division of Children and Family Services (CFS), Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF), and Nebraska Child Abuse Prevention Fund Board (NCAPF) were in attendance, wearing blue in honor of the month.
“It’s through strong collaborations between these groups and many others in the communities throughout our state that we’re able to lay the groundwork of prevention and support for families to be safe,” said Dr. Alyssa Bish, Director of CFS.
Child Abuse Prevention Month has been celebrated nationally since 1983. For more than 40 years, organizations across the country have recognized the month, providing important information regarding the prevention of child abuse and neglect. In 2008, the blue pinwheel became the national symbol for the month.
“We believe that families and communities are the critical component to the success of our state,” Bish said. “When a community supports parents and children, it is easier for families to thrive. When families thrive, communities thrive.”
This year’s theme is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.” Through building healthy communities, strong supports are able to be put in place for children. To connect with your local area community collaborative for additional resources and support, visit https://bringupnebraska.org/who-we-are/collaboratives/community-collaboratives.html.
Information on how to recognize signs of child abuse can be found at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please report the case to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-652-1999 or visit https://neabusehotline-dhhs.ne.gov/.
“Knowing how to report child abuse after recognizing the signs is vitally important, but we also want to make sure we’re supporting the children who are affected and their families,” Bish said. “Preventing child abuse begins with all of us. Being engaged in our communities helps us all support children and families. We can help build a hopeful future together for all children, families, and communities.”
