April 2024 Proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month in Napa County
APRIL 2024 PROCLAIMED CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH IN NAPA COUNTY
Napa, CA – Cope Family Center and the Napa County Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) announced that April 2024 has been proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month by both the Napa County Board of Supervisors and the City of Yountville. The proclamation highlights the role the community plays in supporting Napa County families and preventing child abuse and neglect.
“It is not easy to be a parent, especially in this economic and political climate. An increased cost of living, inadequate wages, and a lack of widespread parental support in public policy puts undue hardship on families, particularly those from marginalized communities. This proclamation emphasizes the role the community plays in supporting vulnerable families so that all children have a safe place to play, learn, and grow,” said Jessica Silverman, Cope Executive Director. “
The good news is that we can all play a role in keeping children safe. “Child maltreatment can affect families from all walks of life, but certain factors can put families at increased risk. Supporting parents through crisis and minimizing risk factors like poverty, domestic violence, and mental health issues is the best way to prevent abuse and neglect so that all children can thrive,” said Colleen Masi, Program Director at Cope. “Research shows that child abuse and neglect can result in long-term physical and mental health challenges, so prevention is critical in raising healthy, happy children.”
Protective factors are attributes, behaviors, and conditions in individuals, families, and communities that promote the health and well-being of children and families. They include things like building parental resilience; providing concrete support such as housing, food, and medical care; fostering social connections; and cultivating knowledge of parenting and child development.
“The Napa County CAPC network collaborates to support families by connecting them with resources and support that both emphasize their strengths and identify areas of need. By minimizing risk factors, promoting protective factors, and building on families’ existing strengths, all families can create healthy, loving homes for their children and build brighter futures,” concluded Silverman.
ABOUT COPE FAMILY CENTER
Cope Family Center is a Family Resource Center in downtown Napa that empowers parents, nurtures children, and strengthens communities. They provide parents with the education, resources, and support they need to raise children who thrive. Programs include parent education and support services such as home visiting and parenting classes, as well as drop-in services such as crisis support, emergency assistance, and resource referrals. They also work to build a stronger community for families through community building and civic engagement. For more information, visit www.copefamilycenter.org.
ABOUT NAPA COUNTY CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL
Led by Cope Family Center and comprised of representatives from other nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community, law enforcement and government agencies, CAPC advocates for public policy that impacts children’s safety and healthy development and oversees awareness campaigns to engage the community in prevention efforts.
