It Takes a Village: April Child Abuse Prevention Month
March 27, 2025 | Category: Community Impact
Yolo County Child Abuse Prevention Council Supports Family Strengthening and Community Support During Child Abuse Prevention Month
By the Yolo County Child Abuse Prevention Council
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This April, the Yolo County Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC),a program of the Yolo County Children’s Alliance (YCCA), recognizes both the progress we’ve made as a community and the work that lies ahead in safeguarding our children. This year’s theme, “It Takes a Village,” speaks volumes about the power each of us holds to make a positive difference in the lives of children in our community.
Yolo County, like many communities, grapples with the reality of child abuse and neglect. In 2024, Yolo County Child Welfare Services investigated allegations of suspected child abuse and/or neglect involving 1033 children. While not every allegation was determined to be substantiated, the 124 Yolo County children who entered foster care in 2024 underscore the ongoing challenges we face. Particularly concerning is the disproportionate representation of Black children in foster care entries; despite constituting just 2.5% of Yolo County’s child population, Black children ages 0-5 accounted for 10.5% of entries into foster care in 2024, a decrease from the 2023 figure of 13.33%.
As members of the Child Abuse Prevention Council, we are actively engaged in national initiatives aimed at reducing entries into foster care. Recognizing the pressing need to address this disparity, we have continued to focus this year on preventing both child abuse and entries to foster care for Yolo County children – with a focus on preventing entries to foster care of Black children ages 0-5. This aligns with Yolo County’s Comprehensive Prevention Plan that seeks to incorporate culturally responsive strategies to safeguard our most vulnerable children and mitigate the disproportionate risk they face of entering foster care.
Poverty, while not deterministic of neglect, often exacerbates stressors on families, increasing the risk factors for child maltreatment. In 2023, the California poverty rate was 12%, whereas in Yolo County, the poverty rate was 16.3%, highlighting the intersection between socioeconomic factors, racial disparities, and child welfare systems (2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates). The Yolo County Child Abuse Prevention Council continues to advocate for local initiatives that will improve the ability of families to be self-sufficient and applauds the efforts of programs like the Yolo County Basic Income Program (YOBI) pilot program (which ended in 2024,) that seek to serve Yolo County’s most vulnerable residents. Educational initiatives aimed at strengthening household financial security can also play a pivotal role in reducing the incidence of child abuse and neglect. By improving parents’ ability to provide for their children’s basic needs, access developmentally appropriate childcare, and alleviate parental stress and depression, we can create more stable and nurturing environments for our children to thrive.
It is essential to recognize that child abuse prevention is not solely the responsibility of social services or law enforcement. It’s a collective effort that requires community-wide engagement and education. Research by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Perry underscores the critical importance of positive relationships in mitigating the risk of child abuse and promoting resilience. Supportive connections with caring adults can serve as a powerful buffer against the effects of trauma, offering children a sense of security and stability in tumultuous times.
This year, all Child Abuse Prevention Councils in Northern California have joined forces under the “It Takes a Village” campaign, uniting our efforts to prevent child abuse and promote child well-being. It’s a testament to the strength of our region’s commitment to protecting our most vulnerable members. It’s remarkable how a single positive connection with just one person can change a child’s life for the better. We feel the profound influence of social connections in our day-to-day lives. A hug from a friend or a smile from a stranger on a difficult day can alleviate stress and uplift our spirits. Research confirms the importance of strong social support in promoting the mental health of parents and children alike. We encourage you to extend a caring connection to someone today. A simple smile, a listening ear, or a gesture of kindness can help alleviate the negative impacts of stress and foster resilience.
Join us in making an impact this Child Abuse Prevention Month by participating in local activities that promote awareness, healing, and community engagement. Take part in our Community Art Project, a creative initiative that encourages children and families to express their hopes for a safer future. Help plant a Pinwheel Garden, a powerful visual symbol of childhood and prevention awareness. Attend the Children’s Memorial Day Event to honor the lives of children lost and recommit to protecting those at risk. Stay informed and engaged by following our op-ed and media campaign, amplifying the conversation on child abuse prevention. Throughout Child Abuse Prevention Month, we invite you to join us in learning more about the efforts of the Yolo County Child Abuse Prevention Council. Visit https://linktr.ee/yolocountychildrensalliance to explore resources and information on how you can contribute to our collective mission. Whether you’re a parent, educator, healthcare professional, or concerned citizen, your involvement can make a meaningful difference. By becoming informed about the science of resilience and learning how to create more caring connections, we can provide support for those who need it most. Prevention goes beyond awareness; it requires action. Together, let’s heed the call since it “It Takes a Village” to ensure our children have the safe, nurturing environment they deserve.
In closing, we urge you to join us in our collective efforts to create a brighter, safer future for the children of Yolo County. Together, we can empower our community to prevent child abuse and build a more resilient and compassionate society. Let’s stand united as advocates for our children, because every child deserves to grow up in a world where they feel valued, cherished, and safe.
Child Abuse Prevention Councils (CAPCs) of California are community councils whose primary purpose is to coordinate the community’s efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect. YCCA coordinates and leads the CAPC to deliver impactful and informational campaigns throughout the year, kicking off every campaign in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month.
