April is designated as Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month nationally. During this month, and throughout the entire year, thread encourages all Alaskans to come together to combat child abuse and neglect.
You don’t have to be a parent to take steps to help keep children safe and healthy. There are many ways to make a positive difference in a child’s life, including mentoring, teaching, fostering, or volunteering,
Go Blue Day
Start by recognizing Go Blue Day on Friday, April 1 when you are encouraged to dress in blue to show your support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The Alaska Children’s Trust has provided fun ideas for you and your family to support Go Blue Day:
- On Friday, April 1, wear blue, paint your nails blue, use food coloring to make your food blue, make a sign, or get creative with your own blue ideas!
- Celebrate a child – Ask a child in your life what they would like to do with you (whatever it is) and do it! Spending quality time with a child makes them feel special and seen.
- Take a selfie and post it on Facebook or Twitter using these hashtags:
#GoBlueDay #goblue4kids #wearblue4kids #DareToBeTheOne - Change your Zoom virtual backgrounds for the day using these images.
- Make a blue pinwheel and plant in your front yard!
Thank you for sharing the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and for promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families!
Events
- Anchorage: Go Blue Day Celebration at the Fairview Recreation Center, April 1 from 3-5pm
- Plan your own event to recognize the day.
Resources
- Reducing Child Abuse & Neglect through Strengthening Families (thread)
- Reporting Concerns (thread)
- Child Abuse Prevention Month (Alaska Children’s Trust)
- Governor’s Proclamation of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Workshops for Parents
- Prevention Month Opportunities for Parents (Alaska Children’s Trust)
- Parent TALK (thread)