To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment & Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month (NCAPM), a time to recognize the importance of communities working together to support and strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment. Throughout the year in Contra Costa County, the Child Abuse Prevention Council, EHSD, and community partners promote awareness of the issue and work together to support child and family well-being by implementing effective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect.
NCAPM and other Federal child abuse prevention activities are authorized by the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). CAPTA provides funding to States to support the prevention, assessment, investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. It also provides grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including American Indian/Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal organizations, for demonstration programs and projects. About CAPTA: A Legislative History <https://www.childwelfare.gov/resources/about-capta-legislative-history/> provides more information about this important legislation.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Contra Costa County will not recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and leverage the opportunity to increase awareness.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month,
WHEREAS, every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, races, and income, and finding solutions requires everyone’s continued attention, advocacy, and action; and
WHEREAS, child abuse is preventable and it is our responsibility to continue providing support to families, caregivers, and community members who can help prevent child maltreatment and ensure early intervention when needed; and
WHEREAS, our children are our most valuable resources who will shape the future of Contra Costa County, therefore the welfare and protection of children are paramount to the well-being of our communities and our society as a whole; and
WHEREAS, during Fiscal Year 2023-24, the number of reports to the Child Protective Services (CPS) hotline in Contra Costa County was 19,719 with timely completion of CPS investigations occurring 98% of the time, higher than the state average, and Children and Family Services coordinated services for 887 children; and
WHEREAS, in Contra Costa County, the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) and Child Protective Services (CPS), a program of Children & Family Services within the Employment and Human Services Department, collaborate to continue protecting children through preventive services, response, intervention, and investigation; and
WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships between child welfare professionals, education, health, community‐ and faith‐based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and families, and these collaborations help eliminate child maltreatment, giving our children hope, security, and safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, urging all residents, community organizations, educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies, and government officials to dedicate themselves to improving the quality of life for all children and families, and to preventing child abuse in Contra Costa County.