How Can My Community Prevent Child Abuse?

The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect (OCAN), a division of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), takes the Federal lead in the effort to educate individuals and communities about how to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Generally, child abuse and neglect prevention activities focus on four main areas:

• Creating and distributing public awareness material and information.
• Developing and using skills-based curricula to teach children to recognize and resist child abuse.
• Conducting parent education and parent support programs.
• Providing home visitation programs for families at risk.

What are the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grants?

The CBCAP program, funded by the Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, Children's Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides funding to States to develop, operate, expand, and enhance community-based, prevention-focused programs and activities designed to strengthen and support families to prevent child abuse and neglect. The program was reauthorized, amended, and renamed as part of the CAPTA amendments in 2003. To receive these funds, the Governor of each State must designate a lead agency to receive the funds and implement the program. This program also supports the FRIENDS National Resource Center to assist CBCAP lead agencies with the development, implementation, and evaluation of child abuse prevention programs and activities.

Which Federal and National organizations partner to promote child abuse prevention?

Many organizations and programs are involved in promoting the well-being of children and families and preventing child abuse and neglect. Many provide information and services to support prevention activities. For a complete list of Prevention Initiative Partners, see National Child Abuse Prevention Partner Organizations.

What is Child Abuse Prevention Month?

Agencies, organizations, communities, and individual citizens nationwide observe National Child Abuse Prevention Month each April with activities, programs, and resources to encourage everyone to take an active role in preventing child abuse and neglect and strengthening families. 

Can I use the Prevention Month logo?

You may download prevention logos for use in your own child abuse prevention efforts at the following web site: http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/res_packet_2008/logos.cfm.

Can you give me some examples of Prevention Month activities for my community?

There are any number of ways to help raise awareness, strengthen families, and protect children in your community. See Public Awareness & Creating Supportive Communities for examples of activities and resources to help you share your message.