April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and in that spirit the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday signed a proclamation designating it so.

Pictured at the signing are, front row from left, Supervisors April Ely and Rick Young. Standing in the back are, from left, Supervisor Mary Clausen, Angela Wesselink and Mary Hodson. Wesselink is Parent Coordinator for Building Families. Hodson is Community Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (CAPP) coordinator for Building Families.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves the support to build a strong foundation,” a Building Families media release states. “Hope fuels resilience, and prevention provides the tools to create lasting change. This April, we celebrate the power of prevention and the communities that make it possible.”

Why is the issue so crucial?

Here are compelling statistics:

— 1 in 7 children in the U.S. experiences abuse or neglect — but prevention is possible.

— Positive childhood experiences — stable relationships and nurturing environments — help children thrive and mitigate adverse childhood experiences.

— Only 15% of the $33 billion spent annually on child welfare goes toward prevention — shifting resources to proactive solutions strengthens families and reduces harm.

Prevention, says Building Families, is a shared responsibility; families, communities, policymakers, and organizations must work together to provide economic and social support, community-based solutions, and stronger prevention policies.

There are ways anyone can help. How?

— Advocate for family-centered policies and increased prevention funding.

— Raise awareness by sharing resources, engaging in conversations, and supporting local programs that support families.

— Invest in prevention by supporting programs that empower families before crises arise.

“Evidence-based programs like Building Families, Parent Connection and HOPES empower families with critical resources and help them navigate challenges such as parenting challenges, child developmental screening, economic hardship, childcare access, and health concerns,” according to the media release. “These programs are all free and voluntary. By investing in preventive solutions, we lay the groundwork for a healthier, more hopeful future for all children.”

To learn more, contact Building Families at 515-602-6371 Ext. 1; Wright County HOPES and Early Head Start at 515-532-3461; or Parent Connection at 515-293-0652.