To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Proclaim April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to come together to promote the well-being of children, strengthen families, and elevate prevention-focused efforts across California 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.
The 2026 statewide theme, “Strong Families, Safe Futures,” underscores that when families are supported and empowered, children thrive and communities experience long-term well-being. The tagline, “When we care together, families thrive,” reiterates our shared responsibility and the power of collective action and community connection.
Community members can further show support for child abuse prevention by wearing blue on Friday, April 10, 2026. Blue represents hope and solidarity for children and families.
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 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Contra Costa County:
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect affect children of all ages, races, and income, and it is our collective responsibility to provide support to families, caregivers, and community members who can help prevent child maltreatment and ensure early intervention; and
WHEREAS, every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and
WHEREAS, the 2026 theme for Child Abuse Prevention Month is “Strong Families, Safe Futures,” promoting the well-being of children, strengthened families, and elevated prevention-focused efforts, and underscoring that when families are supported and empowered, children thrive and communities experience long-term well-being; and
WHEREAS, in Contra Costa County, the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) and Child Protective Services (CPS), a program of Children & Family Services (CFS) within the Employment & Human Services Department (EHSD), collaborate to continue protecting children through preventive services, response, intervention, and investigation; and
WHEREAS, during Fiscal Year 2024-25, the number of reports to the CPS hotline in Contra Costa County was 20,540 with timely completion of CPS investigations occurring 97% of the time, higher than the state average, and, during the same year, CFS coordinated services for 842 children in foster care or guardianship, and had 1,237 open cases; 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 2026 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 prevent child abuse in Contra Costa County.