Child Abuse Prevention
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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.
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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.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][nd_options_image nd_options_image=”1526″ nd_options_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_column_text]
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
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Child Abuse Prevention Month is April
- 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.
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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!
Pinwheel as a Symbol, What does it mean?
Pinwheel Coloring Sheet for Kids
Child Abuse Prevention Month Press Release 2024[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Contact Us
(207) 778-6960
113 Church St
Farmington, Maine 04938
