Strengthening Families Month
to prevent child abuse and neglect
Origin
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Six years later, the color blue began to represent awareness of child abuse and neglect. In 1989, a grandmother from Virginia tied a blue ribbon on her car. She did this in memory of her grandson after he suffered fatal consequences of child maltreatment. This simple act alerted her community to the tragedy of child abuse. The color blue now reminds people why it is so crucial to prevent child abuse.
April is a time to raise awareness of our shared responsibility and inspire collective action, so children can lead their best lives.
Pinwheels for Prevention
Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the blue pinwheel as the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention in 2008.
Every year, Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and organizations statewide spread the important message of awareness for the need to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect from ever happening in the first place. The theme of Strengthening Families Month is “Pinwheels for Prevention.” The pinwheel represents what we want for all children: a happy, healthy, and carefree childhood.
Keep an eye out for pinwheels across the state! The Idaho Children’s Trust Fund has partnered with organizations, businesses, and service providers in every county in Idaho. Pinwheels, banners, put-in-cup displays, and window clings are just some of the ways to show that you support Strengthening Families to prevent child abuse and neglect.
“Together, we can prevent child abuse…because childhood lasts a lifetime” – Prevent Child Abuse America
Events and Activities for 2025
See the calendar below for all of the events happening throughout the state during Strengthening Families Month. All April long, wear blue on Wednesdays and display your pinwheels!
Child Abuse Prevention Month with Optum Idaho
Get Involved
Some simple ways to participate in Strengthening Families Month:
- Display pinwheels, especially gardens of blue pinwheels.
- Draft a letter to your elected officials emphasizing the need to invest in Idaho families and children.
- Draw a pinwheel and write a positive message using sidewalk chalk.
- Post your support for Strengthening Families Month on social media, in a video, or a blog post.
- Schedule and complete one of our three training initiatives: Stewards of Children from Darkness 2 Light, HOPE 101, and The Brain Architecture Game.
Click here for more creative ways to help raise awareness and promote happy, healthy childhoods.
Resources
Learn more about the five protective factors for strengthening families to prevent child abuse and neglect HERE
For urgent support, click here.
If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact kim.hemmert@ctf.idaho.gov