North Carolinians are called to come together in the spirit of safeguarding childhoods as Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. As reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), there will be a promotional event to kick off the month's activities, complete with complimentary food and entertainment, at Raleigh's Pullen Park on April 1st.
The 2025 campaign theme "Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention" puts emphasis on collective action for the welfare of children. "Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment with hope for the future," Dr. Dev Sangvai, NC Health and Human Services Secretary stated, according to a NCDHHS press release. The event aims to highlight the necessary resources, support, and connections needed to prevent family challenges from escalating into crises.
Sharon Hirsch, President and CEO of Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina (PCANC), stressed the financial discrepancies in child welfare, "For every $10 spent on child welfare in the U.S., only $1.50 goes toward prevention—we can and must do better," Hirsch told NCDHHS. Her statements underscore the importance of investments in family resource centers and community-based solutions.
Throughout April, NCDHHS and PCANC are calling on individuals and communities to help advance their pro-family initiatives by joining events like the pinwheel planting at Pullen Park and wearing blue on Friday, April 4. Moreover, advocacy for increased federal investment in child abuse prevention comes to a head during the digital advocacy day on Tuesday, April 9. Interested parties can follow and amplify PCANC's message via their social media channels and help share their posts with a wider audience.
With the pledge to strengthen prevention efforts, this collaboration and public participation indicate a commitment to shift the focus towards preemptive actions for child welfare. Community involvement is not only welcomed, but essential, as pointed by both the NCDHHS and PCANC through their public invitations and social media campaigns seeking to harness broad support for their initiatives.
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