Child Protection Center Raises Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month
This April, the Child Protection Center, Inc. (CPC) joins organizations nationwide in recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, urging the community to take action in safeguarding children. With nearly 600,000 children experiencing abuse or neglect each year in the U.S., CPC is emphasizing the importance of education and community awareness to stop abuse before it starts.
CPC is a leader in child abuse prevention in Sarasota and DeSoto counties and runs the Personal Safety and Community Awareness Program (PSCA), the longest-tenured prevention program in the entire state of Florida. CPC aligns with Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) in its mission to promote policies, programs, and community initiatives that support safe, stable, and nurturing environments for children. Research shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse and neglect, can lead to lifelong negative health and social outcomes—but these effects can be mitigated through early intervention and supportive relationships.
"Prevention starts with education and community involvement," said Douglas Staley, Executive Director at CPC. "Preventing children from experiencing the traumas of child abuse and providing them with a life where they can just be a kid, that’s the goal we want for all children. By working together, we can create safer environments for children and break the cycle of abuse."
How the Community Can Get Involved:
- Wear Blue on April 4th for National Wear Blue Day to show solidarity against child abuse. Use hashtags #BlueForKids and #WearBlueDay.
- Get tickets to CPC’s 12th Annual Blue Ties and Butterflies signature fundraising event on April 4th. Event tickets are available at https://cpcsarasota.org/events/blue-ties-butterflies/ as well as the opportunity to participate online in a Premium Chance Drawing and the Silent Auction.
- Book a free educational workshop for children or adults. 20+ topics are available, including Internet Safety, Anti-Bullying, and Sexual Abuse Prevention. Contact MichelleB@cpcsarasota.org to book.
- Support CPC’s services by donating or volunteering to assist children and families in need.
- Plant a blue pinwheel garden, a national child abuse prevention and awareness campaign.
- Learn the signs of abuse and report concerns to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
In alignment with PCAA’s new national campaign, which highlights the role of healthy relationships in preventing abuse, CPC encourages families and caregivers to seek support systems, educational resources, and local services that reinforce safe environments for children. By working together, the Sarasota community can make a lasting impact in reducing child abuse and strengthening families. For more information on CPC’s programs, upcoming events, or ways to get involved during April, visit https://cpcsarasota.org/capm/
The Child Protection Center’s (CPC) mission is the prevention, intervention, and treatment of child abuse, as the organization envisions a community where children are safe from abuse and free to thrive. For 45 years, CPC has been serving Sarasota and DeSoto Counties in the State of Florida and is accredited by the National Children’s Alliance. Locally, the organization responds to over 3,200 reports child abuse each year. For more information on CPC or to inquire about ways to get involved, please visit them at www.cpcsarasota.org or call 941-365-1277
Child Protection Center, Inc.
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Sheila Miller Vice President of Philanthropy
- March 26, 2025
- (941) 365-1277 x111
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