Governor Josh Stein Proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
NCDHHS and Positive Childhood Alliance NC Promote Safe Environments Where Children Can Thrive
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Positive Childhood Alliance NC (PCANC) recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, proclaimed by Governor Josh Stein. North Carolina's 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign theme, "Positive Childhoods Start With Us," reminds us that everyone has a responsibility to create the conditions children and families need to thrive.
"Strengthening families requires a community-wide commitment to supporting parents and caregivers by investing in family support programs, ensuring families can meet basic needs like food and housing, and advancing policies such as paid family and medical leave," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "When communities invest in families, reduce stressors, and build supportive relationships, children are more likely to grow up with the positive experiences that help them thrive."
Every child deserves to grow up in a healthy, safe and nurturing community. According to the CDC, at least one in seven children in the United States experienced abuse or neglect in the past year. Child abuse and neglect is far too common, and if you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, you are required by law to report it to your county Department of Social Services.
Recognizing child abuse is crucial. There are potential signs that children are being abused or neglected and they are posted on the NCDHHS website. While these signs may not mean that abuse or neglect is occurring, they should raise concern to approach the child or parent, if appropriate. When there is any indication that abuse or neglect is occurring it is required by law to make a report to child protective services.
In collaboration with statewide partners, NCDHHS and PCANC are working to create a stronger system and build momentum to support families across the state.
NCDHHS contracts with PCANC to convene nearly 1,000 members through the Positive Childhood Alliance, a growing statewide network of organizations, agencies, and individuals committed to ensuring every child in North Carolina grows up with positive experiences and nurturing relationships. Together, this network is helping build North Carolina’s first family well-being ecosystem by connecting partners across sectors, sharing tools and training, and advancing policies that strengthen families.
NCDHHS also supports PCANC to host the North Carolina Family Resource Center Network, serving as a hub that supports local Family Resource Centers with training, resources, and opportunities to collaborate. In addition, PCANC works with partners and policymakers to advance policies that strengthen families, including investing in family support programs, implementing family-friendly workplace policies, building families’ financial stability, and strengthening child sexual abuse prevention.
NCDHHS funds approximately 50 community-based agencies to support children and their families through parent education and support groups, in-home visiting, respite care, family support activities, and concrete supports. These agencies offer Circle of Parents, Incredible Years, Parents as Teachers, Stewards of Children, and Triple P programs. These services incorporate protective factors and the NC Division of Social Services’ Prevention Framework to not just prevent child maltreatment, but to provide children with safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments to reach their full potential.
"Families are at the heart of every community across North Carolina," said Sharon Hirsch, President and CEO of PCANC. "When we all work together to strengthen communities and support families, we build a stronger future for us all."
Recognizing the role everyone plays in supporting North Carolina’s families in helping children reach their full potential, this Child Abuse Prevention Month, community organizations, government agencies, businesses, faith groups, community advocates and other stakeholders gathered together at Chavis Memorial Park on April 1, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to amplify a message of hope for strong families and supportive communities. NCDHHS photos from the event are available online.
Throughout the month of April, PCANC and NCDHHS are joining the national effort to shift the narrative around child maltreatment and increase investments in programs and policies that prioritize strong families and build connected, supportive communities. This month, and all year long, organizations and individuals can help NCDHHS and PCANC support family-centered policies and programs by taking action in the following ways:
Wear blue on Friday, April 10 for Wear Blue Day to show support for children and families. Post a photo or video on social media with hashtags #WearBlueDay2026 and #PCANC.
Participate in Week of Action April 13-17 to advocate for policies and investments in programs that strengthen families and communities, building brighter futures for all NC children.
For more ways to get involved with Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit www.PositiveChildhoodAllianceNC.org.
