April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time when organizations across the United States bring attention to  the importance of creating systems and programs that put children and families first.

All community members have a role in ensuring that children have positive experiences, and that families have the necessary resources when they need them - well before they are in crisis. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.

The local Child Abuse Prevention Task Force is formed by representatives from Putnam County organizations such as the Putnam County Youth Development Commission, Family Support Services of West Central Indiana, Mental Health America of Putnam County, WIC, Hamilton Center, Cummins Behavioral Health Services, Firefly, Putnam County Hospital, and the Department of Children’s Services.

The Task Force would like the entire community to demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to the shared responsibility for the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of the children and families in our communities during the month of April. There are a variety of ways that you or your business/organization can get involved:

• On March 31, Wear Blue Day will kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. Wear Blue Day is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to collectively and unequivocally draw attention to effective programs and policies that help children and families thrive. By wearing blue, people throughout the country will show their support.

• Plant a Pinwheel Garden in the yard of your home, business, or school. The pinwheel was introduced as the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention in 2008, and conveys the message that every child deserves to be raised in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment. Many county schools and businesses plant pinwheel gardens each year during the month of April, and more are always welcome to join in!
• Display blue porch lights, posters, or window clings at your home or business to promote child abuse prevention.

“By participating in these activities, you are showing that you are committed to sustaining healthy children and families in our community,” says Amber Halloran, Executive Director of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission and Child Abuse Prevention Task Force Member. “These are just a few of the ways that you can get involved….so look for more information in the upcoming weeks regarding other ways that you can show your support.”

If you or your business/organization are interested in participating in Child Abuse Prevention Month activities and need pinwheels, yard signs, blue lights, posters, or window clings, please contact Shawna@pcfss.net.