April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month. In April, we recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. April is a time to help people understand that safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments are necessary to ensure that children grow up happy and healthy. We all play a role in supporting the well-being of others during this time.
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month, the Burgess Public Health Learning for Life program and the Monona County Child Abuse Prevention Council would like to promote positive childhood experiences to build healthy families and strong communities in Monona County. We have planned a “Family Bingo” card for families to complete together. The bingo squares will be filled with no/low cost family activities to promote positive bonding and togetherness. With generous funding from the Harrison, Monona and Shelby Early Childhood Board, when a family completes a “blackout” and turn their card in, they will be eligible for a prize drawing of a family pass to the Henry Doorly Zoo or other family fun prizes. Cards will be distributed to all three elementary schools in Monona County.
Other activities to highlight the month include the Monona County Board of Supervisors signing a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month to show their support to the families and children in our county. The Burgess Public Health Learning for Life program and the Monona County Child Abuse Prevention Council would also like to “plant” pinwheel flower pots across our county to raise awareness for policies and programs that enable children, families and communities to thrive. The blue pinwheel is the national symbol for Prevent Child Abuse America. If you would like to have a pinwheel flower pot placed in your business, please reach out to dlahr@burgesshc.org or call (712) 423-9175.
The Monona County Child Abuse Prevention Council meets regularly to ensure that EVERY CHILD has a safe childhood free of violence. The Council is actively seeking members. For information on how to be involved or if you or a friend would like to learn how to participate in educational early childhood home visits that will help your child’s growth and development, please contact Burgess Public Health at 712-423-9175. Our Learning for Life Program is a free home visiting program for families with children prenatal through kindergarten entry. The Learning for Life Program is funded by grants from the Harrison, Monona and Shelby Early Childhood Iowa Board, Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program grant funding and the Monona County Board of Supervisors.