April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and we want to spread the message that everyone can help great childhoods happen in their community.

Research suggests that many people who play a role in preventing child abuse and creating great childhoods don’t realize their true impact. A study commissioned by Prevent Child Abuse America shows that only 27% of Americans report engaging in prevention-focused activities. However, that same study showed

• 80% of Americans reported donating goods, money or time to an organization supporting children and families,
• 70% reported volunteering through their places of worship, schools, and other civic or community groups, and
• 56% provided mentorship to a child in their family, neighborhood, or community.

These results show that more people are engaging in activities that prevent child abuse and neglect without event knowing it. Here are some other ways you, too, could get involved:

• Volunteering to staff an after-school program like a sports or academic team
• Mentoring a new parent
• Offering to help a neighbor, coworker or friend with the demands of everyday parenting
• Advocating for federal and state policies that support children and families, such as home visiting programs, after school care, transportation services and paid family medical leave
• Learning about parenting education programs offered at local schools or places of worship and advocating or volunteering to create one if there is not one in place
• Donating time to organizations that support children, such a local mentorship program or organized sports
• Donating money to organizations that advocate for children and families

Follow us on social media as we continue to share more tips throughout this month of April!