CARTERET COUNTY, NC (March 30, 2023) – April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time when child wellness and child welfare organizations across North Carolina, and the nation, elevate the importance of creating systems and programs that put children and families first. Carteret County Department of Social Services (DSS) along with Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) recognizes that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. 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 and nurture positive childhoods.
“It’s never been truer that communities today need to come together to support families and children so they can thrive,” said Jessica Adams, director of DSS. “We all benefit when we work together, providing care and support for children, and our team is dedicated to working together to help families and children.”
Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.
Throughout CAP Month, Carteret County DSS and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina are raising awareness through the concepts of “Nurturing Positive Childhoods” and “Prevention in Partnership” to reinforce the concept that prevention cannot and does not happen alone.
“During this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, we hope all North Carolinians find a way to be a connection and help nurture positive childhoods so more children can thrive,” said Sharon Hirsch, President and CEO of PCANC. “There are a number of ways you can get involved in this campaign and help prevent child maltreatment from ever occurring.”
Prevent Child Abuse NC recommends local community members help raise awareness and impact through the following simple action items this April and beyond:
- Wear blue on Friday, March 31st, Wear Blue Day, to show support for children and families as we build momentum leading into Child Abuse Prevention Month. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #CarteretWearsBlue2023 + #NC hashtags.
- Participate in Planting a Pinwheel Garden on Tuesday, April 4. As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Carteret County Department of Social Services (DSS), Carteret Children’s Advocacy Center, and Carteret County Guardian ad Litem Program will plant a pinwheel garden on the grounds of the Carteret County Courthouse in Beaufort on April 4 at 9 a.m. Citizens and media are invited to attend.
- Participate in National Digital Advocacy Day on Wednesday, April 19. Advocate for economic supports that strengthen families and contact your representatives to advocate for the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) to provide states and communities the resources to implement community-based solutions for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
- Host a Connections Matter NC presentation in your workplace, group or faith community.
- Follow PCANC on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram and share our posts throughout April. Use the hashtags #NurturingPositiveChildhoods, #BuildingTogether, #PreventionInPartnership, and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment to helping children, families, and entire communities to thrive.
- Sign up for PCANC’s newsletter to stay in the know on how you can help children thrive.
- Make a tax-deductible donation to PCANC.
About Carteret County DSS
The Carteret County Department of Social Services is here to improve the quality of life for all citizens of our county by providing a broad range of quality services in the most cost-effective way to meet the financial, medical, and social needs of our people. We strive to make human services and humane services synonymous, treating people with dignity and respect. We believe that our mission is: to help people obtain the basic necessities of life; to assist and protect our elderly and disabled adults; to protect children and strengthen families; and to promote self-sufficiency through employment.
About Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina ensures that child maltreatment prevention is a priority for North Carolina and all communities have the knowledge, support and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through collaboration with partners across North Carolina, PCANC works with communities to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships for all children. PCANC is the North Carolina chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. PCANC is a proud recipient of Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating and GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information, contact Kristie Demers, Director of Communications and Marketing, at (919) 829-8009, ext. 619 or kdemers@preventchildabusenc.org.
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