FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Ryan Kistler
Director of Communications & Technology
Illuminate Colorado
rkistler@illuminatecolorado.org
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month: Pinwheels of Possibility Celebrate the Power of Supporting Families
[DENVER, COLORADO] – This April, Illuminate Colorado is joining communities across Colorado to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP Month). Led nationally by Prevent Child Abuse America and in Colorado by Illuminate Colorado, this year’s theme—Pinwheels of Possibility—celebrates the limitless potential of children and families when communities come together to support them.
The blue pinwheel, the national symbol for child abuse prevention, represents more than positive childhood experiences. With families at the center, each turn of the pinwheel reflects the systems, programs, policies, and everyday acts of care that strengthen families and help them thrive.
“At a time when families are navigating rising costs, increased stress, and uncertainty, prevention has never been more important,” said Anne Auld, Co-Executive Director of Illuminate Colorado. “When we invest in families early and often, we create the conditions where children can grow up safe, supported, and full of possibility.”
Why Prevention Matters
Families are doing everything they can, but too often without the support they deserve.
Prevention is about reducing pressures before they turn into crises. When families have access to affordable child care, stable housing, health care, mental health supports, and trusted community connections, children are more likely to grow up safe and thriving.
Research shows that Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)—such as supportive relationships and safe, nurturing environments—help build resilience and strengthen lifelong well-being.
Public systems often spend far more responding to crises than preventing them. Investing in early, family-centered supports strengthens communities, reduces long-term costs, and keeps families safely together whenever possible.
“Pinwheels of Possibility reminds us that prevention is not just a single program. It’s a coordinated effort across sectors,” said Jillian Fabricius, Co-Executive Director of Illuminate Colorado. “Each pathway of support—whether it’s home visiting, paid leave, parent support groups, or community partnerships—unlocks new possibilities for children and families.”
How to Get Involved in CAP Month 2026
Throughout April, organizations, businesses, policymakers, and community members will participate in events and activities to raise awareness and demonstrate their commitment to prevention.
To learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month 2026, download the awareness toolkit, and find ways to get involved, visit COPinwheelsForPrevention.org.
About Illuminate Colorado
Illuminate Colorado strengthens families, organizations and communities to prevent child maltreatment. With a research-based approach that emphasizes building protective factors, we address systemic and multi-sector issues by collaborating with families and partners at the community, state and national level to develop and implement powerful programs, policies and initiatives that keep kids safe in Colorado.
About Prevent Child Abuse America
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. Through advocacy and innovation, PCA America is building a future where prevention is a reality for every family.
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