Governor Polis Proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month

April marks the beginning of Child Abuse Prevention Month in Colorado.

Communities across the nation and Colorado are planting pinwheel gardens and wearing blue throughout the month of April.

The Office of Children, Youth and Families calls all individuals, communities, legislators, state agencies, media, and organizations, as well as public and private service providers in the state, to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect from ever happening.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation 2025

WHEREAS, children have the right to grow up in healthy, safe and stable homes where they can learn, develop and thrive; and

WHEREAS, more than 550,000 children are identified as victims of child abuse or neglect in the United States annually, and 1 in 4 children will be a victim of abuse before they turn 18; and

WHEREAS, more than 9,000 Colorado children were identified as victims of abuse or neglect in 2022, and more than two-thirds of those children were first-time victims; and

WHEREAS, the five protective factors – parent resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child
development, concrete supports in times of need and social and emotional competence of children- have been proven to strengthen families, promote child development, and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every part of our community, and finding solutions requires action from everyone; and

WHEREAS, our children are our most vulnerable and valuable resources and will shape the future of the State of
Colorado; and

WHEREAS, Colorado remains dedicated to protecting children through family-centered policies and initiatives that keep families together and ensure children’s safety; and

WHEREAS, Colorado children are enabled to reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, Colorado children become the next generation of leaders who contribute to the future of our communities, state and nation; and

WHEREAS, it is up to every Coloradan to provide safe, stable, encouraging environments for our children, free from child abuse, maltreatment, and neglect, which will help children grow and develop to their full potential in life;

THEREFORE, I, Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2025, as