Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention: Building a Brighter Future for Children, Families, and Communities.

April 2025

As we step into April and recognize National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, we are reminded of a powerful truth: the most effective way to protect children and strengthen families is through prevention before challenges become crises.

When families have access to support early on through nurturing relationships, stable and safe environments, concrete needs, opportunities to build social-emotional skills, and community engagement children are more likely to thrive. These factors not only fuel healthy development but also help shield children from the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). The result? Greater resilience, stronger families, and brighter futures. Yet ensuring every child has a safe and supported upbringing isn’t the responsibility of parents alone. It takes an entire community, professionals, neighbors, leaders, and advocates all working together to create environments where families can flourish.

Why it Matters

• 1 in 7 children in the U.S. will experience abuse or neglect. But with the right support systems in place, this is preventable.

• Only 15% of the $33 billion spent on child welfare each year is directed toward prevention. Redirecting resources to proactive, community-based solutions could dramatically reduce harm.

• Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), stable relationships and nurturing environments, help children thrive and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

As Dr. Melissa Merrick, President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, reminds us, “Prevention is possible. With the right policies, investments, and community support, every family can thrive.  Hope is what inspires us to dream of a better future, and prevention is what turns those dreams into reality.”

Our Local Commitment

At Thriving Families Alliance (TFA), part of our mission is centered on building a community that prevents abuse before it starts.

We are:

• Connecting families to family support programs

• Providing Parent Cafés to all families in the nine counties TFA covers

• Supporting family support programs across nine counties that use evidence-based models like Parents as Teachers and Healthy Families America

• Collaborating with local Prevent Child Abuse councils to bring trainings and events to communities

• Educating professionals and communities on ACEs, HOPE, Protective Factors, Self-Care, Trauma Informed Care, Positive Childhood Experiences, and Resilience

• Providing funding and support to local Child Abuse councils

  
  

Hope in Action

Creating a hopeful future for all children requires us to reimagine how we support families. It calls for understanding the effects of trauma, the steps to take to prevent it, and supporting families to help them thrive.  But we can’t do this work alone. It takes all of us from policymakers, social workers, educators to faith leaders in order for us to weave together a network of prevention.

This year’s theme is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.” more than a slogan. It’s a call to action:

Prevention is possible. Hope is powerful. And together, we can create lasting change.

Ways You Can Make a Difference

1. Advocate for policies that support families2. Raise awareness by sharing resources, joining community events, and wearing blue3. Support prevention programs that help families strengthen their protective factors

4. Volunteer at community events and for programs that support families

5. Build connections with families in your community

6. Make a commitment to help families strengthen their protective factors

7. Make sure your community is offering opportunities to create Positive Childhood Experiences

As one local leader shared, “Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves the support to build a strong foundation. Hope fuels resilience—and prevention gives us the tools to make that hope real.”

As we reflect on the importance of prevention this April, let’s remember that creating safe, nurturing environments for children is something we can all contribute to. When families feel supported, children have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. If you or your organization are interested in learning more, Thriving Families Alliance offers trainings on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Protective Factors, Resilience, and becoming Trauma-Informed. Together, we’re not just preventing harm, we’re building stronger communities where every child feels safe, every family feels supported, and hope is always within reach. Contact TFA today and let’s keep growing this work one conversation, one connection, and one step at a time.

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Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect Ensuring the well-being of children is a shared responsibility. Friends, family, and other trusted adults can help by developing nurturing, supportive relationships with the children in their lives. Learn More

The Importance of Community Involvement in Child Abuse Prevention Child abuse is a critical issue that affects individuals, families, and communities as a whole. Addressing and preventing child abuse requires a collective effort from all sectors of society. Community involvement is essential in creating a supportive environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of children. Here’s why community involvement is so crucial and how it can be effectively mobilized.. Learn More

Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Success Stories  Hear the success stories of how the Children's Bureau and local CBCAP programs are working to support families and build strong communities.

Not A Bad Parent Problem Every child deserves to grow up healthy, safe, in a nurturing community with hope for their future. Together, we can make prevention possible.