April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when communities across Wyoming come together to support kids and families. The Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund, Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming, and the Wyoming Department of Family Services are leading the way with activities all month long to raise awareness and help families thrive.

Why It Matters Child abuse affects more than just the child—it impacts families, communities, and the future. The good news? Reports of child maltreatment and child deaths from abuse and neglect have gone down in Wyoming and across the country. Experts say the best way to keep kids safe is to support families early, giving them the resources they need to succeed.

Local organizations and family resource centers in Wyoming work hard to provide families with important services like food assistance, childcare payment help, and heating assistance. These supports can reduce stress and create a safer, healthier environment for children.

“We want to focus on building a system that helps families stay strong, safe, and together,” said Kristie Gordy, Senior Administrator for Social Services at the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

How You Can Help Everyone can make a difference in Child Abuse Prevention Month! Here are some simple ways to get involved:

• Wear boots on Mondays and blue on Fridays to show support. Snap a picture, post it on social media, and use the hashtags #WYKidsMatter, #PoweredByHope, and #CAPMonth2025.
• Join the Proclamation Signing: Governor Mark Gordon will officially recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Wyoming Capitol in Cheyenne on April 7 at 2:30 p.m. You can also help plant pinwheels outside the Capitol to spread awareness.
• Spread the word online: Follow and share posts from Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming on Facebook and Instagram.
• Support families in your community: Check in on neighbors, friends, and relatives. A kind word or small act of support can make a big difference.

Fun Ways to Show Support Child Abuse Prevention Month isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s also about celebrating strong families and happy childhoods. Here are some fun activities you can do with your family in April:

• Make a PB&J sandwich for National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2.
• Create a pinwheel to symbolize a bright future for kids.
• Have a family movie night or play a board game together.
• Write a thank-you card to someone who has made a difference in your life.
• Go for a walk, dance, or do a fun science experiment together.

For more ideas and ways to get involved, visit Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming’s website.

Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us that everyone can play a role in helping kids grow up in safe, supportive families. Let’s work together to create a community where every child can thrive—because Wyoming’s kids matter!

30 Days of Activities

Make April a month of kindness, connection, and fun with these daily activities:

Child abuse prevention is about helping families before problems arise. By taking small actions, we can make a big difference. Visit pcawy.org for more ways to get involved this April!