April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Department of Health and Human Services encourages all Nebraskans to take steps to prevent child abuse.
In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America started using blue pinwheels to signify a vision where all children are able to grow up in supportive families and communities. Children who grow up with nurturing relationships and supportive communities are more academically successful and are more likely to grow up to be productive members of society. Blue pinwheels are a reminder of the role we all play in children’s lives.
To help spread awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month Bring Up Nebraska partners will be organizing other events and spreading information about how to spot child abuse on social media. Other Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month events in Nebraska include:
April 1: Families First Partnership and Lincoln County Child Abuse Prevention Coalition (North Platte area)—Mayoral proclamation. Members will take pinwheel bouquets to local businesses and agencies and invite them to Wear Blue each Friday in April and share with social media posts.
April 12: Growing Community Connections (Dakota County area) — City Council presentation and proclamation.
April 13: A Facebook Live hosted by Children and Family Services Director Stephanie Beasley with Mary Jo Pankoke, Director of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, as a guest. This will be broadcast on the Nebraska DHHS Facebook at 1:00 p.m.
April 10-16: Buffalo County Health Partners (Kearney area) — Members will promote Child Abuse Prevention Month on Carnival Day during Week of the Young Child and place pinwheel vases in local offices.
April 17: Douglas County Community Response (Omaha) — Parents and staff partners will host an outdoor family event featuring drive-through activity stations with games and resources.