Supporting Children and their families
A Connected Child is a Protected Child
APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing, and stable environment, yet sadly, child abuse remains a persistent and pervasive problem in our communities. During the month of April and all year long, it’s important to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect and to help prevention efforts by strengthening parents’ resiliency and the protective factors in every family. The member agencies of Strong Families Alliance of Alameda County offer services, like parent education, therapy, and other concrete supports, to help strengthen family relationships for the purpose of preventing child abuse.
When we tune in to our kids—when we actively communicate and stay involved in our children’s lives—we can greatly reduce the risk of abuse. When we take the time to educate children about safety rules and body boundaries, we collectively raise an empowered generation that is much less susceptible to harm. It is our responsibility as adults to pay attention to what is happening for children—that is a powerful way to keep kids safe.
Join SFA on our socials throughout the month and check out our Events page as we highlight various activities happening throughout the month where families can bond, nurture each other and learn how to strengthen parenting skills and self-care practices.
Remember, if you see something, SAY SOMETHING!
Regional calendar of April events by the Greater Bay Area Child Abuse Prevention Council Coalition
CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL DAY - APRIL 26, 2024
The Children’s Memorial Day was established by the California Assembly in April 1997, which formally declared the fourth Friday in April as a statewide annual observance day. On the fourth Friday in April every year the Children’s Memorial Flag is to be flown statewide in memory of all the young lives lost in California due to violence in the previous year. On April 1, 2001, the United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution supporting this National Children’s Memorial Day and its regular occurrence on the fourth Friday in April. This is a day of remembrance set aside to recognize the national tragedy of violence against children. On November 1, 1996, Alameda County and the East Bay Regional Park District dedicated a Children’s Memorial Grove with the planting of young oak trees and the creation of a stone Circle of Remembrance as a place of peace and honor to young lives lost.
Alameda County created a Children’s Memorial Flag to be flown whenever a child’s life is lost to criminal violence. Please join us in observing Children’s Memorial Day.
Here are other ways to honor the young lives lost:
Moment of Silence and Reflection: At any point during the Day on April 26, 2024
Flag Viewing: Flag will be flown all day at Gail Steele Multiservice Center, 24100 Amador St Hayward, CA 94544
Visit: Children’s Memorial Grove Trail in Chabot Regional Park (1.8 mile trail)
Click here to learn about how to keep babies safe while sleeping.
JOIN THE CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION TASK FORCE
Alameda County’s Department of Children and Family Services and the Child Abuse Prevention Council seeks to bring together community volunteers from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences towards the service of the children and families residing within Alameda County to join our Child Abuse Prevention Task Force. We are looking to continue to have a diversity of member perspectives that are intended to encourage constructive conversation while gathering ideas and recommendations to recognize the child abuse prevention service gaps that impact children, youth, and families living in our county.
Task Members would be involved in:
- County Self Assessments – identifying service gaps and provide recommendations for service improvement
- Contract Oversight – conduct annual site visits to contract agencies to ensure contract compliance
- Attend and participate in monthly Task Force meetings
- Work in a spirit of collaboration and partnership with child welfare and other stakeholders.
If you would like to learn more and request an application, please contact Alameda County Child Abuse Prevention Council at alamedacapc@acgov.org.
Perinatal Equity Initiative
Black women and birthing people face challenges that stem from policies and systems rooted in racism. They are twice as likely to live in poverty or to experience hardships, such as homelessness or the incarceration of a loved one, during pregnancy. In addition, chronic, transgenerational exposure to racism results in toxic stress that has been shown to have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of Black individuals, regardless of income or education levels.
It is time for all of us to work together to change this story. Find out what you can do to help by following @DeliverBirthJustice and visiting Deliverbirthjustice.org.
Raising children can be difficult. Oftentimes, parents and caregivers just need to talk to someone who can offer support, tips, ideas, and the kinds of services provided by the agencies in Strong Families Alliance of Alameda County. Call The Parenting Stress Helpline at 1-800-829-2777 today and find out all that is available to you and those you provide care for!
Mandated Reporter Training
Professionals working with children, including those who employ people under 18, are Mandated Reporters and required to report their suspicion of abuse or neglect. To learn more and schedule a training,
