Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month
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.
Child Abuse Prevention Month 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 Child Abuse Prevention Month is “Pinwheels for Prevention.” The pinwheel represents what we want for all children: a happy, healthy, and carefree childhood.
“Together, we can prevent child abuse…because childhood lasts a lifetime” – Prevent Child Abuse America
Child Abuse Prevention Month with Optum Idaho
Upcoming Events:
WEAR BLUE EVERY TUESDAY IN APRIL TO SHOW SUPPORT
March 29th, Friday, KICK-OFF Rally at the Capitol, 2 pm
April 3 Leadore School Block Fest and Mayor Proclamation Signing, EIPH Sponsor 12:30-3:30 pm (Set up at 11:00 am)
April 3rd, Library!, 7757 W. Ustick Rd. in Meridian, Maureen and Jane will be presenting HOPE conquerors ACEs.
April 4th, Child Abuse Prevention Rally, 11 am, starting at the courthouse and ending at the downtown commons, including Mayoral Proclamation.
April 4th, KICK-OFF Event, 4:30-6:00 pm, 414 W. Fort Grounds drive, CDA, Idaho, Mayoral Proclamation.
April 4th Salmon Pioneer Elementary Block Fest EIBH Sponsor 10:00-2:00?? (Set up 9:00 am)
April 4th, Notus School Carnival, Notus Rd., Caldwell, suggested donation of $5 at the door, FREE vision and hearing screening, Mammogram Mobil Clinic from St. Al’s.
April 4th, Rediscovered Books in Boise is hosting a book signing with Kelly McConnell from 4-7 pm.
April 4th, Umpqua Bank Event, 8th and Bannock in Boise, 4-7 pm.
April 5 Salmon Library Block Fest Mayor Proclamation Signing EIPH Sponsor 10-2 pm (Set up at 9:00 am)
April 6th, Museum of Clean family event 10-1 pm, 711 S 2nd, Pocatello, ID
April 9th Madison School District Block Fest and Celebration of Children EIPH Sponsor 10-4 pm
April 9th Downtown Boise Cupbop Fundraising Event 5-9 pm–15% of sales donated back to ICTF.
April 10th, HOPE 101 Training @ Children’s Village Family Support Center, 1350 W. Hanley Dr., Coeur D’Alene, 12-1 pm, bring your lunch.
April 10th Rexburg Library Block Fest Event and Celebration of Children EIPH Sponsor 10-2 pm
April 10th, Bannock Youth Foundation, Stewards of Children darkness to Light Training @ Family Resource Center, 403 N. Hayes, Pocatello, ID 83204–2 pm.
April 10th, The Brain Architecture Game at the Downtown Boise Library! 12:30-2:30, no food provided, but people can bring a sack lunch.
April 11th Idaho Falls Block Fest and Celebration of Children and Mayor Proclamation Signing EIPH Sponsor 1-6 pm
April 11-12th, Sun Valley, Prevention and Support Conference, Idaho Prevention & Support Conference / Events / Idaho Department of Education
April 13th, Day of the Child Fair @ E-Street community Center, all day.
April 15th, Stella’s Ice Cream Fundraiser, Downtown Boise location, 12 pm-10 pm, 10% off ice cream and 20% of the day’s proceeds going to ICTF!
April 15th, Stewards of Children for professionals @ St. Luke’s, 6- 8:30 pm.
April 15th, Bannock Youth Foundation, Stewards of Children darkness to Light Training @ Family Resource Center, 403 N. Hayes, Pocatello, ID 83204–3 pm.
April 16th, HOPE 101 Training @ Idaho Dept. of Health and Welfare, 11th Street, Lewiston, 12-1 pm, bring your lunch.
April 16th, HOPE 101 Training @ Gritman Medical Center, 700 S. Main St., Moscow, 5:30-7 pm, cookies and beverages provided.
April 17-18th, Magic valley Alliance for Children Conference @ CSI Herrett center.
April 17th, Family Fun Fair @ the Lewiston Library from 4:30-6 pm with Pizza, raffle, games, activities, and resource fair, something for all ages. Mayoral proclamation at 5:15.
April 18th, Brain Architecture Game at Orchard Park in the programs room, 12-1:30 pm. cacidaho.org for tickets
April 18th, Brain Architecture Game at Cherry Lane Library in Meridian, from 12–1:30 pm. Registration encouraged: https://cacidaho.org/event-form/registration-form/98093/tickets
April 20th Mobile Resource Fair Freeman Park–United Way Sponsor 10-2 pm
April 24th, HOPE 101, Cherry Children’s Program Room, 3-5 pm. cacidaho.org. registration encouraged: https://cacidaho.org/event-form/registration-form/98094/tickets
April 26th Dubois Event “Six is Creative Event”– Upper Valley Child Advocacy, Family Crisis Center and Just 4 Kids Pediatrics Sponsor 10-2 pm
April 27th Rexburg Event “Six is Creative” Event-Upper Valley Child Advocacy, Family Criss Center and Just 4 Kids Pediatrics Sponsor 10-2 pm
April TBD Lemhi County Block Fest
**Times and events are subject to inclement weather**
ALL MONTH LONG: Virtual Pinwheel Garden with PCAA! CLICK TO VISIT THE GARDEN!
Wear BLUE every Tuesday!
Put-in Cup Pinwheel Displays on chain link fences.
Get Involved
Some simple ways to participate in Child Abuse Prevention 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 Child Abuse Prevention month on social media, in a video, or a blog post.
- Schedule and complete one of the 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
For urgent support, click here.
If you would like to donate or volunteer, please contact kim.hemmert@ctf.idaho.gov