April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Child Abuse Prevention Month

Go Blue to Protect Florida Children

Blue ribbons and pinwheels adorn businesses and homes alike in support of bringing about a conscious awareness surrounding prevention. April was first proclaimed as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983. The Blue Ribbon Campaign to prevent child abuse was begun in 1989, and Prevent Child Abuse America introduced Pinwheels for Prevention in 2008. The Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services funds the annual initiative, and they outline the history of child abuse prevention in the United States on their website ChildWelfare.gov

From Blue to Better

Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties have teamed up in a regional effort to bring awareness of child abuse and prevention to the community through its From Blue to Better movement. “If we can’t talk about child abuse we have no hope of preventing it.” Santa Rosa Kids House in Milton, Florida and Gulf Coast Kids House in Pensacola, Florida offer a wealth of information as well as opportunities to give and to serve the children in our community.

Take the Pledge

Go blue so our children don’t have to;

Take the first step in ending child abuse by reporting to 1-800-96ABUSE;

Pay attention to children’s cries for support and help;

Support people and institutions working to end abuse and exploitation of children;

I pledge my eyes and my voice to protect OUR children and our future!

Lastly, I pledge to pass on this message and educate others who inquire about going BLUE in April.