Approve a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Travis County. (Judge Brown & Commissioner Gómez)

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Child Abuse Prevention Month shines a national spotlight on the importance of centering families and building communities where children can grow up safe, healthy, and supported. Children are our most valuable resource and the foundation of our future, and ensuring their safety, well-being, and healthy development is a fundamental responsibility of our society.<br id="isPasted">Child abuse and neglect are serious issues that affect children of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances, often causing long-term psychological, emotional, and physical harm. Raising awareness about child abuse prevention and promoting strong families through education, support, and community engagement can significantly reduce instances of abuse and neglect. Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce our shared commitment to prevention. It is also an opportunity to highlight the programs, policies, and community supports that help children grow up safe, supported, and full of possibility.<br>Prevention happens when families have access to the resources, relationships, and supports they need to remain steady through every twist and turn of life. When communities invest in prevention, each turn of support unlocks new possibilities and creates stronger foundations for children and families. When we invest in families early and often, we create the conditions where children can grow up safe, supported, and full of possibility.<br>The pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing the joyful, healthy childhood every child deserves. In this year’s Pinwheels of Possibility campaign, the pinwheel tells a deeper story: with families at the center, each turn represents the systems, programs, policies, and everyday acts of care that strengthen families and help them thrive. From home visiting and health care to economic stability and safe housing, every pathway of support helps expand what is possible for children and families. This reflects the theme: The Power of Partnering with Families and Communities to Protect Our Children.<br>Preventing child abuse requires the active involvement of individuals, families, schools, faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement, and government agencies working together to create safe, nurturing environments for all children. Effective child abuse prevention efforts succeed because of the partnerships built among child welfare, education, health care, community- and faith-based organizations, businesses, and law enforcement agencies. Communities must make every effort to promote programs and activities that help children and families grow strong and thrive.<br>As Dr. Melissa Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, reminds us: “At the heart of prevention is a simple truth: families want the best for their children. When we listen to families, invest in prevention, and build communities of support, we create the conditions where all chil