Help strengthen families and prevent child abuse

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, Olmsted County encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our community a better place for children and families.

Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone. By ensuring parents, caregivers, and guardians have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities.

“Everyone has a role to play in the prevention of child abuse in our community,” said Olmsted County Director of Child and Family Services Amy Rauchwarter. “I encourage everyone to find ways to support families in your life as a natural way to build safety networks that can help them through challenging times.”

Protective factors are the strengths and resources families draw on during difficult times to shield them from life's stresses. Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse diminish and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete supports.

"While April is a month set aside to raise awareness about Child Abuse prevention efforts, creating a safe and loving environment for our kids to grow up in is something we can all contribute to year-round. We encourage everyone to take time this month to learn more about the various resources and support available to families in our community,” said Olmsted County Division Administrator of Health, Housing, and Human Services James Johnson.

In support of these efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children's Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, together with Child Welfare Information Gateway, and the FRIENDS National Resource Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention developed the 2023/2024 Prevention Resource Guide. The guide provides more information about protective factors and highlights examples of innovative prevention approaches being implemented by communities across the country.

Learn more about child abuse prevention programs at Olmsted County.

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Media contact: Rachel Wick, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6537