ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County Partnership for Children, along with Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, recognizes the importance of caring connections, supportive environments, and positive experiences for all children and families during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. We all have a stake in prioritizing equal opportunities for every child from all communities in each corner of the state to build a more prosperous future for us all.
April 2022 marks the third year CAP Month occurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that times of crisis put families under great stress and can lead to significant increases in the risk of child maltreatment. COVID-19 adds stress that can overload parents and caregivers, such as loss of employment, loss of income due to lack of paid leave, the necessity of new child care and schooling arrangements, and food insecurity.
“Too often, our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone,” said Dr. Katrina Chance, executive director of RCPC. “We all benefit when we work together to lessen the load of stress placed on families.”
While children and families are facing unprecedented stress during the pandemic, we know child maltreatment is preventable. There are programs, strategies, and policies that are proven to strengthen families, so they can address their basic needs and better care for their children.
“Research shows that positive childhood experiences and caring connections grow thriving families and communities,” said Sharon Hirsch, PCANC president and CEO. “While every season is a new opportunity to build sturdy foundations for children, this Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to redefine how our policies, systems, and communities propel children into becoming healthy, thriving members of their community, and reaching their full potential. Please join us in prioritizing safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for children, allowing families and entire communities to succeed — today and for generations to come.”
PCANC and RCPC recommends the following ways that North Carolinians can be a connection and make an impact during this year’s CAP Month:
For more ways to get involved in CAP Month and to download the toolkit (with new customized resources for school counselors, faith communities and early care and education providers), please visit www.preventchildabusenc.org. Because together, we can prevent child abuse, North Carolina.
