It Takes a Village: Coming Together for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. And every April, child wellness organizations and advocates across the country come together to support this belief by raising awareness on prevention and intervention during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

What is National Child Abuse Prevention Month?

Since 1983, National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM) has been dedicated to recognizing the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Throughout the month, child wellness and welfare groups shine a light on positive action, effective strategies, and dedicated resources designed to promote the safety of children and strengthening families. NCAPM also recognizes the critical work of State and local Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies, as well as community-based agencies, support groups, and child welfare programs providing the services and support needed to keep children safe and help families thrive.

Why is NCAPM Important?

In their Child Maltreatment 2022 report, the Children’s Bureau states that approximately 1.9 million children received prevention services and 55% of child abuse abuse/neglect victims received postresponse services.2 With such staggering numbers—and knowing this data only reflects services provided or funded by State and local CPS agencies—the importance of awareness and action cannot be overstated.

Children are some of our most vulnerable community members; it’s crucial that they have strong voices advocating for their safety. NCAPM magnifies these issues impacting some of our community’s youth. It also supports knowledge and education that inform efforts to reduce risk and prevent recurrent abuse or neglect, including an understanding of protective factors, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and the socio-ecological model.

“Although risk factors may remain consistent or fluctuate in a given family, protective factors also can affect child safety. Protective factors, such as parent support systems and parenting skills, help safeguard a family from risk factors associated with child maltreatment.” – Texas Department of Family and Protective Services

“Fiscal Year 2022 Child Maltreatment Fatalities and Near Fatalities Annual Report.” Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, March 1, 2023.

Child & Family Support in El Paso County

We’ve all heard that it takes a village. That’s true not just for child-rearing but also for family and community as a whole. This can look like support from family, friends, and neighbors. It can also look like support from local groups and organizations offering resources designed to champion the well-being of children and their families.

There are a number of free services available to El Paso County residents through the El Paso Center for Children:

Parent Cafés

Parent Cafés are small group gatherings that deliver training and provide support to families. These gatherings focus on building and promoting five protective factors to reduce risk and foster optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families. Parent Cafés are open to parents, grandparents, and other guardians of children who reside in El Paso County.

Individual & Family Counseling

Just about every person has struggled with life’s challenges at some point. Counseling can help individuals and families to better cope with adversity and foster important life skills. Counseling through the El Paso Center for Children is open to El Paso residents with a child/children age 17 or younger, with the option to meet in person or online.*

Victims of Crime Counseling

It’s not uncommon for victims or witnesses of crime to struggle in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Counseling can help in the healing process. El Paso Center for Children offers counseling services to anyone residing in El Paso County who has been impacted by a crime.*

Family Resource Center

Designed to help families become stronger and more successful, the El Paso Center for Children’s Family Resource Center is a place of support offering services and activities designed to educate and develop skills. These services are available to El Paso County residents with children from birth through 17 years old.

Additional Reading & Resources

*If you are in a mental health or substance abuse crisis, dial 988 for 24/7 free and confidential support. If you are in an emergency or life-threatening situation, dial 911.

1 “About National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” Child Welfare Information Gateway, n.d. https://www.childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth/about-national-child-abuse-prevention-month/.

2 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau. (2024). Child Maltreatment 2022. Available from https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/data-research/child-maltreatment.