Napa County Child Abuse Prevention Council Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month
The Napa County Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) commemorates Child Abuse Prevention Month this April by bringing awareness and raising funds “to support families and keep children safe,” said a news release.
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, said the release.
Each year, CAPC reports on the state of the health and well-being of Napa County’s children and families. In 2023, there were 109 confirmed victims of abuse or neglect, but since child abuse and neglect is greatly underreported, the true number is estimated to be closer to 400.
“Raising a family in our community is not easy,” said Jessica Silverman, Cope’s executive director. “Many families struggle with low wages, high rents, lack of childcare, mental health issues and more. With these challenges on top of the everyday demands of parenting, it can be hard for parents to be the parents they want to be. The stress can be overwhelming, and without support, it can impact the safety and wellbeing of their children.”
“We know that child maltreatment is preventable,” said Colleen Masi, Cope’s program director. “It is important to reduce risk factors such as poverty, domestic violence, racial inequity and mental health issues that put children at increased risk of maltreatment. And we must also build protective factors to support struggling families through difficult times.”
There are many opportunities throughout Blue Ribbon Month to learn more about child abuse in our community and raise awareness about how it can be prevented.
• More than 90 local businesses are helping Paint the Town Blue to bring awareness and raise funds.
• Pinwheel displays throughout the county honor the 109 confirmed victims of maltreatment last year and represent the joyful and carefree childhoods we wish for all children to have. Locations include:
Cope Family Center: 707 Randolph St., Napa
Inside Napa City Hall: 955 School St., Napa
County of Napa: Health & Human Services: 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive, Building B, Napa
Napa County Library: 580 Coombs St., Napa
American Canyon Library: 300 Crawford Way, American Canyon
American Canyon Police and Fire: 911 Donaldson Way E, American Canyon
St. Helena Library: 1492 Library Lane, St. Helena
Yountville Community Center: 6516 Washington St., Yountville
Calistoga Library: 1108 Myrtle St., Calistoga
Collaborative display at the Napa County District Attorney's Office: 1127 First St., Napa
• The Napa County Board of Supervisors will present a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Napa County at their meeting on April 9.
• Kids Day on April 13 is a free, fun, family event provides parents with the opportunity to connect with valuable local resources while enjoying activities and entertainment with their children.
For more information, visit copefamilycenter.org/blueribbon.