ADEL, Iowa — April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, when Dallas County coalitions — the Children’s Advocacy Council, Community partnerships for Protecting Children and 4Rkids Early Childhood Iowa — recognize the importance of community-based support for all children and families.
The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign is “Growing a Better Tomorrow for All Children, Together.”
April 2022 marks the third year when CAP Month occurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk to our nation’s children for experiencing child abuse and neglect in times of extreme stress and uncertainty remains high.
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 childcare and schooling arrangements and food insecurity.
Throughout CAP Month, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa and its parent organization, Prevent Child Abuse America, alongside other chapters, affiliates and supporting organizations are using the community garden metaphor to reinforce the message that “Every day, we help families and children thrive.”
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa recommends the following ways by which people everywhere can dig in and help raise awareness and impact virtually during this year’s CAP Month:
● Wear blue on April 1, Wear Blue Day, to show support for children and families. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2022 hashtag.
● Follow Prevent Child Abuse Iowa on social media and share our posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #GrowingBetterTogether and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families and entire communities to thrive.
● April 4-10: Dime a Donut – Every donut you purchase benefits Dallas County Children’s Advocacy Council! Waukee Hy-Vee, 1005 E. Hickman Road, Waukee
For more ways to get involved in CAP Month, please visit the Dallas County Children’s Advocacy Council Facebook page.
