NCDHHS and Positive Childhood Alliance Hold Public Event to Recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services along with Positive Childhood Alliance is holding an event as Governor Josh Stein proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in North Carolina. Recognizing the role everyone plays in helping North Carolina’s children reach their full potential, this Child Abuse Prevention Month, community organizations, government agencies, businesses, faith groups and other stakeholders will come together to amplify a message of hope for strong families and supportive communities.

A free family-friendly public event will be held on Tuesday, April 1st at Pullen Park in Raleigh, North Carolina from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes free food and entertainment while supplies last.

The 2025 national campaign theme, "Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention," highlights the importance of working together to create the conditions that build a stronger future for all.

"Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment with hope for the future," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai. "By ensuring families have the resources, support, and connections they need before challenges become crises, we can build a stronger North Carolina where all children and families can thrive."

In collaboration with statewide partners like NCDHHS, Positive Childhood Alliance NC (PCANC) is committed to driving systems change and building a strong family support ecosystem across North Carolina. We are working to create the conditions where children grow up with positive experiences and nurturing relationships—while also equipping local communities with the tools and support they need to strengthen all families.

"For every $10 spent on child welfare in the U.S., only $1.50 goes toward prevention—we can and must do better," said Sharon Hirsch, President and CEO of Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina. "By investing in family resource centers and community-based solutions, we can ensure families have the support they need before challenges become crises. When we shift our focus to prevention, we create a future where all children grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing environments, surrounded by positive experiences and hope."

During Child Abuse Prevention Month, PCANC and NCDHHS are joining the national effort to reshape the narrative around child maltreatment prevention and increase investments in programs and policies that prioritize children and families.

This month, and all year long, communities and individuals can help NCDHHS and PCANC advance family-centered prevention programs and policies by taking action in the following ways:

• Attend a Pinwheel Planting hosted by NCDHHS and PCANC on Tuesday, April 1, 11:00 a.m., at Pullen Park (520 Ashe Ave. Raleigh, NC). Learn more.

  • The public and media are invited to attend. Speakers include NCDHHS Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai, NCDHHS Director of Human Services Lisa Tucker Cauley, Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina President and CEO Sharon Hirsch, and Parent Leader Sanaa Sharrieff. Food and drink will be provided while supplies last.

• Wear blue on Friday, April 4 – Wear Blue Day – to show support for children and families. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2025 and #NC hashtags.

• Participate in digital advocacy day on Tuesday, April 9, to advocate for increased federal investment in community-based child abuse prevention grants that provide states and communities with the resources to implement community-based solutions to prevent child abuse and neglect.

• Follow PCANC on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and share our posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Click here to follow NCDHHS on all social media platforms.

For more ways to get involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month, please visit PositiveChildhoodAllianceNC.org.