Hope in Action: Communities Unite to Prevent Child Abuse This April
WICHITA, Kan. (March 31, 2025) – April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time for communities to unite in support of strong families, thriving children and healthier communities. Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL), as the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America), joins child wellness partners to recognize prevention teams working year-round to raise awareness and ensure every child grows up safe, supported and loved.
This year’s awareness campaign, led by Prevent Child Abuse America and its national network of state chapters, carries the theme “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention.”
At the heart of this campaign is a shared vision—a world where all children and families lead purposeful, happy lives with hope for the future. Achieving this goal requires prioritizing prevention and guaranteeing that families have the resources, support and connections they need before challenges become crises.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and every family deserves the support to build a strong foundation,” said KCSL CEO Gail Cozadd. “Hope fuels resilience, and prevention provides the tools to create lasting change. This April, we celebrate the power of prevention and the communities that make it possible.”
Prevention is Our Best Investment
Investing in prevention builds a stronger, more hopeful future for all children. Families can better navigate challenges such as economic hardship, child care access and health concerns when they have access to essential resources.
“Prevention is possible. With the right policies, investments and community support, every family can thrive,” said Dr. Melissa Merrick, president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. “Hope inspires us to dream of a better future, and prevention turns those dreams into reality.”
Throughout April and beyond, KCSL encourages everyone to support family-centered prevention programs and policies. Ways you can help:
- Show your support for positive childhood experiences and preventing adversity by wearing blue for Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 4. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2025 and #CAPMonthKS hashtags.
- Participate in PCA America’s nationwide Digital Action Day on April 9. Ask lawmakers to invest in the well-being of children and families with increased support and funding for child abuse prevention programs.
- Follow KCSL on Facebook and Instagram and share our posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use hashtags #PoweredByHope and #CAPMonthKS to signify your commitment to helping children, families and entire communities to thrive.
- Plant a pinwheel garden in your community! To order pinwheels and more ways to get involved in CAP Month, please visit kcsl.org/resources/cap-month/.
About Kansas Children’s Service League
Stronger families start at Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL). Founded in 1893, KCSL is a statewide, nonprofit agency that serves thousands of Kansas children and families each year. KCSL’s mission is to protect and promote the well-being of children. Our programs work with children and families in the areas of health, safety and education to succeed and break cycles of neglect, abuse and trauma. We help both children and parents develop skills for success in their families, schools and workplaces. KCSL is also the Kansas chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America and Circle of Parents.
About Prevent Child Abuse America
Founded in 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America is the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect before it happens. Guided by our North Star, we work to create a world where all children and families live a purposeful and happy life with hope for the future. Visit preventchildabuse.org to learn more.
