April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DCDHHS) and Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County (CYP) are joining with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and other partners across the state to focus on preventing child maltreatment and highlighting the role we all play in supporting families from the start.

Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity for community members to learn more about what it means to create communities where families have what they need so their children can reach their full potential. This year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month theme, “Positive Childhoods Start With Us,” is a reminder that we all have a role to play in supporting strong families and thriving communities — support and empowerment are the keys to making that vision a reality.

“Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, valued, and loved,” said Karen Sawin, CYP Family Support Services Coordinator. “When we come together as a community to support families, we create the kind of environment where children can truly thrive. Preventing child abuse starts with each of us choosing to care, to listen, and to show up.”

Sawin encouraged parents to register for one of the free parenting programs offered through CYP by calling 252.441.0614, ext. 4 or emailing Sawin at ksawin@darekids.org 

“Families are at the heart of Dare County and supporting families is shared work across our community,” said Dare County Director of Social Services Chuck Lycett. “We are proud to be part of local efforts that strengthen supports, reduce stress, and help children and families thrive.”

DCDHHS’s Family Services Unit provides a variety of services to support families, including energy, child care, transportation and emergency assistance. Its Family Support Services program is available to families with at least one child under 18 years of age and focuses on increasing family stability, strengthening family relationships and identifying support systems. 

To make a referral for yourself or someone else, please contact the DCDHHS Social Services Division at 252.475.5500 and ask to speak with a member of the Family Services team. 

What to do if you suspect child abuse in the community?

If you suspect child abuse, neglect or dependency, you can call Social Services at 252.475.5500 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and ask to speak to a child protective services social worker. Outside of those hours, contact Dare Central at 252.473.3444 and ask to speak with the on-call social worker. 

“We have someone available to take calls 24/7,” said Leigh Brinkley, DCDHHS Family Services Supervisor. “Your report can be completely anonymous if you are not comfortable sharing your information. However, even if you give your contact information, the social worker cannot share who made the report with the families.” 

For Child Abuse Prevention Month yard signs, community members can contact Sawin at  252.441.0614, ext. 4 or ksawin@darekids.org.  There are a limited number of signs available so they will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. 

For more information on Child Abuse Prevention Month and how members of the community can take part in prevention, visit preventchildabusenc.org.