In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Illuminate Colorado will be highlighting some of our statewide child abuse prevention partners in a new blog series. Follow along and learn about the different ways that individuals and organizations engage in CAP Month around the state!
Denver Human Services (DHS) has been participating in Child Abuse Prevention Month for a whole decade! DHS employees participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month by joining in on pinwheel plants at their three locations, wearing blue each Tuesday during April, and engaging in month-long messaging that serves as a reminder of the roles we all play in strengthening families on a daily basis.
For 2018, Denver DHS is also working with Denver Public Schools to engage schools in CAP Month-related activities. In particular, Denver DHS is asking schools to organize their own pinwheel plants, include family-strengthening information in school functions, and host or promote attendance for Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings and foster care/adoption informational meetings. DHS will also be participating in the state’s annual CAP Month Kickoff at the state capitol on April 3rd, and will have a large presence and sponsored activities for families at the April 29th Día del Niño event at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
To support other organizations in getting involved, they are also awarding mini-grants to 19 community organizations in Denver County to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month by hosting a community event or activity. By providing mini-grants to local organizations, doing outreach with DPS and community partners, and having a presence at Día del Niño, they are able to directly offer access to resources and support for families.
“Collaborating and partnering with other organizations and agencies helps us deliver services efficiently to individuals and families who need support. We strive to leverage these partnerships to help strengthen families and promote safe, healthy environments for children and adolescents,” said Craig Wells, Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
