April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Every April, the Napa County Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) commemorates Child Abuse Prevention Month by bringing awareness to this important issue and raising funds to support families and keep children safe. Led by Cope Family Center and comprised of representatives from other nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community, law enforcement, and government agencies, CAPC coordinates Napa County’s efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect.

Each year, CAPC reports on the state of the health and wellbeing of Napa County’s children and families. In 2025, there were 65 children confirmed to have experienced abuse or neglect, but because child maltreatment is greatly under reported, the true number is likely to be much higher.

“Children are safest when their families have the resources and guidance they need to create stable, healthy homes,” said Jeni Olsen, Cope’s Executive Director. “Families today are facing incredible challenges. Rising costs, housing instability, immigration fears, and mental health challenges are putting many families in impossible situations, and without support, these stressors can impact their children. This is why community support is critical to protecting families in these uncertain times.”

The good news is that we can all help keep children safe. “Protecting children is a responsibility we all share,” said Maria Chavez, Program Director at Cope. “When we invest in families and strengthen our community’s network of care, children are safer, families are stronger, and our community thrives.”

This April, and throughout the year, CAPC encourages everyone in the community to play a role in making Napa County a better place for families. There are many opportunities throughout Blue Ribbon Month to learn more about child abuse in our community, raise awareness about how it can be prevented, and find out how we can each take small actions that make a big difference.

• Over 35 local businesses are helping Paint the Town Blue to bring awareness and raise funds by hosting dine and donates or other fundraising events throughout the month to support Cope’s child abuse prevention and family support services. Visit www.copefamilycenter.org/goblue2026/ for a calendar of events.
• Pinwheel displays honor the 65 children confirmed to have experienced maltreatment last year and represent the joyful and carefree childhoods we wish for all children to have. View them at Cope Family Center (707 Randolph St, Napa), Napa County Health and Human Services Agency (2751 Napa Valley Corporate Dr, Napa), Aldea Children and Family Services (2310 1^st St, Napa), and Crosswalk Community Church (2590 1^st St, Napa).
• Wear Blue for Kids on April 10: Show your support by wearing blue and sharing a photo, using #WearBlue4Kids and tag @CopeFamilyCenter.
• The Napa County Board of Supervisors will present a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Napa County at their 9am meeting on April 14. The community is invited to attend to express their support.
• The City of Napa will present a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month at their 3:30pm meeting on April 21. The community is invited to attend to express their support.
• Kids Day on May 2. This free, fun, family event provides parents with the opportunity to connect with valuable local resources while enjoying activities and entertainment with their children.
• Follow Cope Family Center on social media or join their email list for periodic updates and information about child abuse prevention and ways to get involved year-round.

For more information about Blue Ribbon Month activities, to learn more about child abuse prevention, or to make a donation, visit www.copefamilycenter.org/blueribbon.