April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

According to the Children's Bureau , an Office of the Administration of Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "All families need help sometimes. Focusing on family strengths helps children, youth, and families build resilience. Thriving families depend on strong support systems. Support can come from family, friends, neighbors, and others in the community."

Child abuse prevention starts with each one of us. Together we can make it easier for families to access support services and learn how to identify and build on family strengths. When we invest in children, we are investing in their future. Everyone has a role to play in helping the families in our communities be resilient and access support.

The current generation of child welfare and parent leaders knows what they need to be doing better for children and families, but they continue to need support in how to implement these concepts effectively.

By providing all families with equal opportunity and access to the supports they need, we can help improve the safety and well-being of children and youth across the country.

At FSR, our social workers engage families in partnership to enhance child and family safety, mental health, and well-being. We are engaged in several collaborative efforts with Olmsted County Children and Family Services to offer families support to address their individualized needs. You can learn about these programs here.