STRENGTHENING FAMILIES FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Child Abuse Prevention

Awareness

Raising awareness is a critical and foundational step in preventing child abuse. When we take action, children are safer and have the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong. Child Abuse Prevention Month is our opportunity to build support for what we know must happen year- round: supporting parents and caregivers and building the relationships and connections in communities so that families can readily access what they need to help every child. The more we can show each individual they are a pivotal part of preventing child abuse and neglect and how they can show their support, the more people will understand how prevention works in their communities. Individuals, organizations, and communities – it takes all of us working together to build well-being for children and families. We all want to live in a community where families thrive and we know that takes each of us. We are proud to stand with so many across Maine for this vital effort.

We’re bringing awareness that healthy child development is the foundation for strong economic and community development. Anything you do to support kids and parents helps reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.  The Children’s Task Force is Franklin County’s child abuse prevention council which sponsors educational programs and events to increase public awareness.

PREVENTION HAPPENS IN PARTNERSHIP

We know that one entity alone cannot solve child abuse and neglect. It takes all of us to actively ensure Maine communities are a place where children thrive. This campaign supports our dedicated network of local prevention programs and staff across the state, the Maine Prevention Councils and the Maine Families Home Visiting Program. We are excited to expand our network of support with participating state leaders in the Partner in Prevention initiative. A public awareness effort, this initiative is intended to engage statewide organizations, businesses, and associations to use their influence and platforms to amplify the message that Supportive Communities & Strong Families Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect

Key Messaging & Campaign Goals 

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a great opportunity to highlight that the whole community is needed to prevent child abuse and neglect. Our key message this year is Supportive Communities and Strong Families Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect. The campaign goals are to build support and partnerships, educate for action, connect to local prevention efforts, and message best practices. 

The Pinwheel as a Symbol:

As the Prevent Child Abuse Maine Chapter, Maine Children’s Trust follows the national symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month created by Prevent Child Abuse America, the pinwheel. The pinwheel is an uplifting symbol of the great childhoods we want for all children. Supportive communities and strong families nurture great childhoods and help prevent child abuse and neglect.

FCCTF Events

  • Children’s Festival
  • Father Daughter Dances in Strong and Jay
  • Community Baby Shower
  • Child Abuse Prevention Month
  • Blue Sunday
  • Children’s Parade
  • Kids Walk for Kids
  • Chester Greenwood Parade Float
  • Pajama Project
  • Click for Babies
  • Pinwheels for Prevention

Child Abuse Prevention Month is April

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Strong families depend on strong support systems. Support can come from family, friends, neighbors, and others in the community.  Throughout April, you may see pinwheels representing Child Abuse Prevention month. The pinwheel symbolizes the belief that supportive communities and strong families prevent child abuse and neglect. When we work together, our communities are stronger and families are safer. One of the most effective ways to prevent child abuse is to strengthen families. Learn how to support children and families in your community and help families reach their full potential. Reach out to us! We would love to connect. Below are some ways to get started:
  • We EDUCATE for ACTION! Join our upcoming community workshops. These are ideal for family-serving professionals, social workers, parents, and community members interested in child and family well-being, parenting education, infant safety, and protective factors.
  • All families need help sometimes. Make the commitment this month to learn new ways to strengthen child and family well-being. Take part in a Playgroup, parenting class, or Protective Factors workshop and learn how you can make a difference for Maine kids. These workshops are ideal for family-serving professionals, social workers, caregivers and parents, and community members interested in learning and supporting their family and community.
  • Research shows that, especially for youth who experience abuse and neglect, one caring adult can make all the difference. Be the difference for children in your community. We all have a role to play in creating relationships, connections, and environments to help every child thrive.
  • Focusing on family strengths helps children, youth, and families build resilience. This month consider what helps keep your family work through challenging times.
  • When we work together, we can relieve some of the overload that parents experience and free them up to focus on caring for themselves and their kids. Supportive Communities and Strong Families Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect.
●      WEAR BLUE DAY: Post your photos for Wear Blue Day on the first Friday in April on Facebook with the hashtag #WearBlueDay and tag the Franklin County Children’s Task Force! Let’s saturate the town in blue to kick off April as Child Abuse Prevention month! For more ways to get involved, please call 207-778-6960 or email rileigh@fcctf.org.
●      PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION: We can still grow a better tomorrow for all children, together, while being apart. Ask us for pinwheels you can physically plant together, or take part in this 100% virtual, nationwide pinwheel garden. Donate and plant a pinwheel with your message of support. https://pinwheels.preventchildabuse.org/  #GrowingBetterTogether
●      WICKED WHOOPIES: $55 donation for a box of 50 whoopie pies! How many boxes can you fit in your freezer?! These homemade Maine whoopie pies were made with love. They have a shelf life of about 3 weeks and a freezer life of 6mo-1 year. All proceeds benefit programs through the Franklin County Children’s Task Force that reduce the rates of child abuse and neglect in Franklin County. Whoopie order requests are taken beginning February 1st by emailing rileigh@fcctf.org

Education and Resources

As the designated child abuse and neglect prevention council for Franklin County, the Children’s Task Force provides Mandated Reporter Training,  Protective Factors education, information that focus on prevention, like Period of Purple Crying and Infant Safe Sleep, and other parent enrichment programs that can support parents through this lifelong journey of parenting. Visit our Community Education and Parent Education tabs to learn more!

Protective Factors Calendars 

Pinwheel as a Symbol, What does it mean?

Pinwheel Coloring Sheet for Kids

Make a Pinwheel

Child Abuse Prevention Month Press Release 2024

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