|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, also known as Blue Ribbon Month, has been observed each April since 1983. This annual observance focuses on increasing awareness and education in an effort to prevent these devastating crimes across the United States.
The campaign began when a Virginia grandmother paid tribute to her grandson, who had died due to abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse. The Blue Ribbon campaign has since expanded across the country. Many wear blue ribbons each April in memory of those who have died as a result of child abuse.
The focus has recently shifted toward a positive message of celebrating organizations, communities, and individuals who have led the efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.
This year’s theme was: You can be a connection for children in your community!
As an advocate for children, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) honors the spirit of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month every day. The future of our society’s success relies on the healthy growth and development of all children. When we work together to ensure their healthy development, the next generation benefits through a lifetime of productivity and responsible citizenship. With the support of engaged communities and nurturing families, all children can thrive and have the opportunity to grow into contributing, caring, and healthy adults.
M-DCPS has many ongoing partnerships with community agencies that support our awareness and prevention efforts. These include the following:
Amigos for Kids provides free resources for schools and has staff available for presentations in our District. Visit http://amigosforkids.org for more information.
The nonprofit organization Lauren’s Kids, founded by State Sen. Lauren Book, provides a free sexual abuse prevention curriculum and resources for students at every grade level. Visit https://laurenskids.org.
The Monique Burr Foundation for Children provides a free evidenced-based curriculum and resources to promote child safety and wellness. Visit http://mbfpreventioneducation.org for more information.
The Division of Student Services has created the Blue Ribbon Activities Guide to support and encourage schools to implement these efforts.
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month was an opportunity for all of us to step forward and show our support for the children and families in our community. The national symbol for child abuse prevention is the pinwheel. Shining in the sun, the pinwheel is reflective of the bright future all children deserve. Pinwheels are part of the effort to focus on community activities that support families and public policies that emphasize prevention efforts to ensure child abuse and neglect never occur.
Martha Z. Harris is Administrative Director, Division of Student Services, Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
