To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim April 2024 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring April 2024 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Contra Costa County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact from this action.
BACKGROUND:
April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, a time Contra Costa County and all communities rally together to build caring connections, supportive environments, and positive experiences for children and families.
During the month of April and throughout the year, the State of California Office of Child Abuse Prevention and the Contra Costa County Child Abuse Prevention Council encourage all to support and prioritize children and families by supporting organizations that provide services with the goal of preventing child abuse and neglect.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
None.
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming April 2024 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Contra Costa County
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 2022-23, the number of reports to the Child Protective Services (CPS) hotline in Contra Costa County was 20,499 with timely completion of CPS investigations occurring 97% of the time, higher than the state average; and, during the same year, Children and Family Services coordinated foster care for 950 children, and had 1364 open cases; 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: the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims April 2024 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.