CARTERET COUNTY, NC (April 1, 2024) – In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, the Carteret County Department of Social Services (DSS) is encouraging residents to play their part in safeguarding the well-being of children and families.

“Every family and child should live in a connected community with access to the support they need when they need it so they can live purposeful lives with hope for the future,” said Jessica Adams, Carteret County DSS director. “We hope that this month, our community will join us in our efforts and become partners in this critical work.”

Following the theme "Building A Hopeful Future Together" set by Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina, Carteret County's outreach campaign will highlight the importance of collaborative efforts to promote children's social and emotional well-being.

During the month of April, Carteret County DSS encourages residents to participate in the following activities: 

• Wear Blue Day: Show your support by wearing blue on Friday, April 5th (#WearBlueDay2024 #CarteretCountyNC). Share photos and videos on social media with these hashtags.
• Planting a Pinwheel Garden: Join the Carteret County DSS, Carteret Children’s Advocacy Center, and Carteret County Guardian ad Litem Program for a pinwheel garden planting on Monday, April 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Carteret County Courthouse in Beaufort, followed by a community walk.
• National Digital Advocacy Day: Advocate for policies that strengthen families on Tuesday, April 16th. Contact your representatives to support the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), which provides resources for community-based solutions.

In addition, residents can contribute to preventing child abuse and neglect within their communities by: 

• Donating goods, money, or time to organizations that support children and families.
• Volunteering with children through schools, places of worship, sports teams, or academic clubs.
• Providing mentorship to a child in their family, neighborhood, or community.

In 2023, Carteret County Child Protective Services received 909 reports of child abuse and/or neglect. Of those, 515 were investigated further and resulted in open cases. Neglect was the suspected cause in 375 of these cases.

If you suspect a child has been abused or neglected, call our report line Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. at 252-728-3181. After hours, weekends and holidays, please call 911 or 252-726-1911.

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