April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

The Prince William County Department of Social Services, or DSS, is raising awareness around child abuse and neglect and promoting child and family well-being and strategies to keep children safe during National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. The theme of this year’s awareness campaign is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.” 

Eliminating child abuse and neglect requires a community-wide response with parents and caregivers, school professionals, law enforcement and other community partners all playing a vital role in protecting children. Prince William County has many community-based programs like parent education, mental health services, affordable childcare, early intervention programs and substance use disorder treatment that promote the healthy development of children and help strengthen families. Click here for a month-long calendar of activities to build strong families.

We invite you to show your support for preventing child abuse by wearing blue, the official color of child abuse prevention, and joining us to plant a pinwheel garden at the Sean T. Connaughton Community Plaza at the Prince William County Government Center on April 4 at 1 p.m.

Pinwheel gardens represent our effort to focus on community activities that support families and policies and programs that prioritize prevention from the start to ensure child abuse and neglect never occur. Shining in the sun, the pinwheel reflects the healthy and happy childhoods all children deserve.

DSS is hosting a community event on April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that will include family activities and program and class information covering financial, nutrition and parenting education and 4-H youth development from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Prince William Unit.

In addition, DSS will be offering Darkness to Light® Stewards of Children training to community members on April 28. This training will focus on educating adults to prevent, recognize child sexual abuse and protect children. Visit pwcva.gov/events to learn more about upcoming events and register for the training.

DSS’s commitment to keeping children safe, supporting families and reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect is year-round. By working together as a community, we all can play a part in building strong and thriving families. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the 24-hour Virginia Child Abuse hotline at 800-552-7096.

Visit pwcva.gov/socialservices for more information about programs and benefits and tips on how you can make a difference in our community. For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month, please contact Theresa Wilson at 703-792-7602.