County of Santa Clara Observes April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month
Families and Communities Continue to Work Together to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect and Support Healthy Relationships
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. – April is observed by the County of Santa Clara as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout the year, the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency’s Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) encourages all individuals and organizations in the community to get involved and play a role in making Santa Clara County a healthier and safe place for children and families. Child abuse and neglect can be prevented when parents and adults have access to the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children.
"The County of Santa Clara is dedicated to supporting our families and protecting our children,” said County of Santa Clara Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. “It truly takes a village for individuals, families and communities to work together to surround children with healthy relationships that keep our children safe and families strong.”
In support of Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM) and to help raise awareness about the important connection between healthy relationships, healthy families and healthy communities - DFCS has partnered with the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) of Santa Clara County to promote a VTA ad campaign with the message that “Healthy Relationships are…Safe, Respectful, and Kind.” The goal of the campaign is to stress the link between positive parenting and healthy child development. The community can find ‘Tools to Thrive’ by visiting www.healthyrelationshipsscc.org.
”The best way to confront child abuse and neglect is to prevent it from happening. Every child deserves to be safe,” said DFCS Director, Francesca LeRúe. ”We are proud of the partnerships we are building in our community that are focused on prevention and ensuring Santa Clara County is a safe and healthy place for children to grow and thrive.”
On Monday, April 8, 2019, at 4 p.m., County of Santa Clara Supervisors will proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Representatives from DFCS and the CAPC of Santa Clara County will be available to speak with media about Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Healthy Relationships VTA campaign.
WHO:
County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors
Representatives from:
- County of Santa Clara’s Social Services Agency, Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS)
- Child Abuse Prevention Council of Santa Clara County
WHEN AND WHERE:
Monday, April 8, 2019, 4 p.m.
County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors
70 W. Hedding Street, Board Chambers, San Jose, CA 95110
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR APRIL:
- Friday, April 5, 2019: Wear blue for kid’s day. Invite your friends, family and coworkers to share photos of you all wearing blue and use the hashtag #WearBlue4Kids!
- Monday, April 8, 2019: County Supervisors deliver a Proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Board Chambers at 4 p.m.
- Friday, April 12, 2019: Child Abuse Prevention Council Symposium. Join hundreds of professionals and community advocates that work to protect children and gather for a day of learning at Villa Ragusa, Downtown Campbell. Learn more information by visiting, capcscc.org
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING IN SANTA CLARA COUNTY
The Santa Clara County Department of Family and Children’s Services (DFCS) operates a Child Abuse and Neglect Center (CANC) which screens calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. To report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, call (833) SCC – KIDS (722-5437).
CHILD ABUSE FACTS & STATISTICS
- Approximately 3.5 million reports of child abuse are made in the U.S. each year, involving 6 million children.
- There are 58,000 reports of child abuse made in the Bay Area every year.
- Learn more about the impact of child abuse in Santa Clara County at: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/cac/Documents/EconomicsOfAbuse_SantaClara%20(1).pdf
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ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, the sixth largest county in California. With a $7 billion budget, more than 70 agencies/departments and 20,000 employees, the County of Santa Clara plans for the needs of a dynamic community, offers quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. The County provides essential services including public health and environmental protection, medical services through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, parks, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need.
Visit the County of Santa Clara at: http://www.sccgov.org
Like us on Facebook: http://Facebook.com/County.of.Santa.Clara/
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sccgov
Media Contact: Shannon García, Social Services Agency, (408) 755-7760; Laurel Anderson/Marina Hinestrosa, Office of Public Affairs, (408) 299-5119.