April is Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Prevention Month!

As you may know, April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, also known as Blue Ribbon Month! It is all about our mission, to end child abuse and strengthen the health of children, parents, and families.  The month of April signifies a month-long awareness campaign highlighting all of the ways CPI advocates for children and families.  Although April is only one month, it is important to recognize that we work to end child abuse all year round. Below are a few important events/resources that will take place throughout the month.

Join us on Wednesday, April 30 from 8:00am - 10:30am (PST), for an inspiring presentation from Anna Kelleher about Lived experience and the role it plays in preventing child abuse. To learn more about this event or to register click here.

Wear Blue for Kids Day

One of the key events during April is the Wear Blue campaign. On Friday, April 4, we invite you to participate in #WearBlue4Kids Day. By wearing blue, we emphasize the vital role each of us plays in supporting and connecting with Sonoma County’s children and families.

This year, we’re encouraging our partners and community members to help promote this event by sharing photos of themselves wearing blue. Post a photo of you, your colleagues, friends, or family in blue and share what prevention means to you. We’ll feature these photos leading up to and on the day of the event to inspire others to wear blue—whether at work, school, community events, meetings, or at home.

Together, let’s make a visible impact and stand united in support of child abuse prevention.

Find Us On Facebook or on Instagram!

Child Abuse is Preventable. Here is how you can help!

Engage in one or more of the Protective Factors which have been proven to lower incidents of child abuse:

Social Connections

Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family, and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. 

Action
Build Your A-Team

Affirmation 
"I spend time with people who make me feel good and help me be my best self. I distance myself from people who tear me down."

Meet other parents and caregivers by attending a parenting class or support group.

Concrete Support

Families who can meet their own basic needs for food, clothing, housing, and transportation - and who know how to access essential services such as childcare, health care, and mental health services to address family-specific needs - are better able to ensure the safety and well-being of their children.

Action
Leave your comfort zone to get help

Affirmation 
"I know that comfortable is not always safe or best, so I go outside of my friends and family to get professional help when I need it."

Get Support from CPI's Resource Assistance Department

Resilience

Parents who can cope with the stresses of everyday life, as well as a crisis, have resilience; they have the flexibility and inner strength necessary to bounce back when things are not going well. 

Action
Make positivity a habit.

Affirmation 
"I practice remembering that my glass is always half-full because I know that positivity is the partner of resilience."

Schedule an appointment with CPI's Child and Family Counseling Clinic.

Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development

Children thrive when parents provide not only affection, but also respectful communication and listening, consistent rules and expectations, and safe opportunities that promote independence.

Action
Seek out information & knowledge

Affirmation 
"I am continuously learning and growing as a parent"

Take free parenting classes at CPI

Social & Emotional Competence

Children's early experiences of being nurtured and developing a positive relationship with a caring adult affect all aspects of behavior and development.

Action
Listen more, argue less

Affirmation 
"I listen to my children with my heart and my mind."

Speak with a CPI parent educator for customized parent support

Kids Need Mandated Reporters

Reports to the Child Protection Hotline by caring community members and mandated reports help children and their families have safer and healthier futures. If you are concerned about a child's safety call the Sonoma County Child Protection Hotline 24/7 to report child abuse: (707)565-4303 or (800) 870-7064.

Create Awareness

Spread the word about child abuse prevention and show your support by using the Blue Ribbon tools below.

Make a Donation Today!

Your gift helps empower parents, nurture children, and strengthen our community by providing the education, resources, and support caregivers need to raise children who thrive. Thank you - with your support, we will be able to continue making a difference in the lives of thousands of children and their families this year.