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During Child Abuse Prevention Month, Wake County’s Child Welfare Division is reminding residents that everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect. During the month of April, staff will be emphasizing the necessity for communities to work together to promote the social and emotional well-being of all children and families through an outreach campaign that includes several local events.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy environment but that is not the case for every child and teen in Wake County,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Vice Chair Susan Evans. “Too often, we think of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone, but we can all play a role in keeping our kids safe. We all benefit when we work together to help families thrive.”
If you’re not sure how to take the first step in helping youth and families, some examples of working within your community to prevent child abuse include:
- Donating goods, money or time to an organization that supports children and families.
- Volunteering to work with children through places of worship, schools, sports or academic clubs.
- Providing mentorship to a child in your family, neighborhood or community.
In 2022, Wake County Child Protective Services received 8,619 reports of child abuse and/or neglect with 4,429 moved up to a social worker and had a case opened in Wake County. Of those, more than 3,900 were cases suspecting neglect.
After a case is opened, prevention strategies and intervention are working to help families make the changes needed keep their children safe and their families whole. The numbers support that, of those families who chose to participate in the prevention programs, 88% did not have a repeat report.
If you suspect a child has been abused or neglected, call our report line at 919-212-7990 or 919-212-7963 for Spanish.
Community Events
The public is invited help raise awareness and make an impact through the following community events and activities:
- Pinwheel Planting – Wednesday, April 5, at noon
Everyone is invited to plant a pinwheel at their home or business or attend a pinwheel planting at one of several county locations at noon. Wear blue to visibly show your commitment to preventing child abuse and share on social with the hashtag #GoBlueforWake. Visit wake.gov/childabuseprevention for a list of locations participating. - Making It Happen: Filling Our Cups to Better Serve Others – Friday, April 14, at 12:30 p.m.
Join Wake County in a discussion with community partners to learn about practical approaches to engage families in prevention services and strengthen child abuse efforts in our community. - #GetConnected Community Resource Fair – Monday, April 17, at 2 p.m.
Partners from across the county will come together for this free event to share resources and information with families that will help keep children safe. Information shared at the event will include childcare providers, job resources, faith partners, family support groups, healthcare providers, housing support and more. - Step Out Against Child Abuse Walk – Saturday, April 29, at 10 a.m.
Grab your family and friends to help us close out Child Abuse Prevention Month with a one-mile walk around one of Wake County’s many parks and preserves. We’ll also be celebrating the Year of the Trail and sharing the Five Protective Factors to create a culture of awareness and support. Parks participating: - American Tobacco Trail
- Crowder County Park
- Green Hills County Park
- Historic Oak View County Park
- Lake Crabtree County Park
- Sandy Pines Preserve
For more information about child abuse prevention month visit wake.gov/ChildAbusePrevention.
Image by Joe Kniesek from Pixabay
