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In April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Every action that strengthens families helps prevent abuse and creates a nurturing environment for children to thrive in Washington. Whether it’s a parent spending quality time with their child, a childcare provider offering support and resources, or a neighbor providing a meal to reduce family stress, small actions make a big difference.
This month, we are excited to share important events, resources, and training opportunities designed to support families and advance child abuse prevention efforts across Washington State. Read on to learn how you can get involved, access valuable tools, and make a lasting impact in your community.
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Strengthening Families Washington, a program within the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF), is dedicated to empowering families and strengthening communities through a variety of strategies. The program focuses on five key protective factors that help reduce child abuse and neglect:
- Knowledge of parenting and child development
- Building social connections
- Cultivating parental resilience
- Providing concrete support in times of need
- Enhancing children's social and emotional competence through nurturing and attachment
By sharing valuable information with families, childcare professionals, and others who work with children, Strengthening Families Washington helps foster these protective factors, creating stronger families and environments that support healthy child and youth development.
Approach
They believe in partnering with families and caregivers and encourage leadership and collaboration in all aspects of their work. Strengthening Families Washington supports families through various initiatives, including:
- Home visiting programs that provide support and guidance to families
- Community outreach and partnerships to strengthen family networks
- Funding opportunities for local organizations working to support families
Get Involved
If you’re interested in opportunities to collaborate with Strengthening Families Washington, or want to learn more about our programs, please contact Strengthening Families.
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Child Abuse Prevention month toolkit
To celebrate and spread awareness about Child Abuse Prevention month, DCYF has a variety of free items available for distribution throughout the state. This includes a prevention month coloring page, Strengthening Families coloring book, Strengthening Families Washington activity pack, and the What makes a hero coloring book, stickers, poster kits, and temporary tattoos.
Pinwheels for prevention campaign
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will plant approximately 15,000 blue pinwheels across Washington State. These pinwheels represent the joy and innocence of childhood and serve as a visual reminder of the importance of child abuse prevention.
Protecting your children: Internet safety training
Offered by the Children's Advocacy Center of Pierce County, this training aims to educate parents and caregivers on strategies to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.
- Date: April 9, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Location: South Hill Piercy County Library
Five days of action
Organized by the YMCA, this week-long campaign is designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse. The campaign provides resources and encourages community participation in child protection efforts.
Victim advocate roundtable
Hosted by the Children's Advocacy Centers of Washington, this roundtable is open to victim advocates working with Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) and Multidisciplinary Teams (MDTs) in Washington State. It provides a supportive space to network, share experiences, and discuss best practices in supporting child abuse victims.
- Date: April 30, 11 a.m. to noon
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The RUBI Autism Network
Research Units in Behavioral Intervention (RUBI) is a parent training program that is an evidence-based, outpatient program designed to help parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities.
Family Reconciliation Service (FRS)
Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) is a voluntary program serving runaway adolescents and youth who are in conflict with their families. The program targets adolescents between the ages of 12 through 17. FRS services are meant to resolve crisis situations and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement. They are not long-term services.
Family Voluntary Services (FVS)
Family Voluntary Services (FVS) is a program which allows parents and guardians to engage voluntarily in services that improve their protective capacities to meet the safety, health, and well-being needs of children and youth.
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Right now, millions of youth are at home without the support systems that help keep them safe. Abuse thrives in isolation, leaving many youth struggling in silence. Every one of us has a role to play in protecting and advocating for them. Every child deserves a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
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Stay informed and connected with the latest resources and updates on behavioral health services for prenatal, child, and young adult care. Visit our website for more information on the programs and support available.
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