April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time when community organizations join together to build a better future for families and children. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.

This initiative is led in partnership with the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama (CTF), who provides funding for community-based prevention programs across the state. Their goal is to encourage and support each community in Alabama to find new and effective solutions for preventing child abuse before it occurs.

Our children are our most valuable resources and will shape the future as the next generation of leaders. This month and beyond, we encourage you to take action to help create positive childhood experiences that enable families and communities to build strong, healthy futures. 

This campaign is a critical intervention on behalf of the nearly 600,000 children who experience abuse & neglect in the United States each year. Research shows children who suffer from the repeated stress of abuse and neglect tend to struggle in their behavioral, physical, and cognitive abilities. These early trauma effects often continue through generations. 

Together, we can break the cycle of early childhood trauma, abuse and neglect. Here are some ways you can take action to build awareness and create support for Child Abuse Prevention Month:

1. Buy a Children’s Trust Fund specialty license plate & support community-based prevention programs in Alabama.
2. Every Wednesday, Girls Inc. staff will be wearing blue to support awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Join us each week & tag us in your selfies!
3. Check out Prevent Child Abuse America’s virtual pinwheel garden, and plant your own by going to pinwheels.preventchildabuse.org.
4. Join the movement on April 19th for Digital Advocacy Day! Share your stories on how prevention programs have helped improve your community with the hashtag #CBCAP (Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention)

However you choose to participate, know that you’re supporting a better, safer future for all children. We are truly grateful to all the individuals and organizations who are working hard this month (and always) to build the foundation for our collective future. Special shoutout to our incredible Lige’ Richardson-Shears for leading this initiative at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, and to the folks at Children’s Trust Fund for partnering with us in prevention!