April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Our Mission: To embrace all God's children … one child, one family at a time
"Our children are our most valuable resource, and they need our support to thrive and grow into healthy, productive adults. During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we renew our unwavering commitment to protecting children and responding to child abuse, promoting healthy families, and building a brighter future for all Americans.
Every child deserves a nurturing family and a safe environment, free from fear, abuse, and neglect. Tragically, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse threaten too many children every day in communities across our Nation. Parents, guardians, relatives, and neighbors all share a responsibility to prevent these devastating crimes, and our government plays a critical role as well."
--President Barack Obama
The impact of child abuse is profound. Research shows that child abuse is associated with adverse health and mental health issues in children and families, and those negative effects can last a lifetime.
In addition to the impact on the child, child abuse and neglect affect various systems — including physical and mental heath, law enforcement, judicial and public social services, and nonprofit agencies as they respond to the incidents and support the victims. One analysis of the immediate and long-term economic impact of child abuse and neglect suggests that child maltreatment costs the nation as much as $258 million each day, or approximately $94 billion each year.
Learn more about ways you can help prevent child abuse in your community and join us in our Mission to embrace all God's children.
