Brighton proclaims April 2025 Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month; CASA says it served 52 local children last year

Brighton City Council on March 18 proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and urged residents to take part in awareness activities.

The proclamation, read by Mayor Pro Tem Padilla, called for a citywide effort among child-serving agencies, educators, health-care providers, law enforcement and advocacy groups to strengthen families and protect children from abuse and neglect.

Josie Martinez, community engagement manager for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Adams and Broomfield counties, accepted the proclamation and described CASA’s volunteer advocacy work. “First and foremost, thank you for recognizing this important month and for your ongoing commitment to children and families in our community,” Martinez said. “Just last year, we served 52 children right here in Brighton.”

Martinez said CASA volunteers provide a stable, consistent adult presence for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and work to ensure the child’s voice is heard in court. She invited residents to learn about volunteering and noted CASA’s Light of Hope luncheon on April 25 as an upcoming opportunity to hear program stories; the city was listed as a sponsor of that event.

The proclamation text—entered into the public record—stated that enhancing protective factors such as parental resilience, social connections and access to concrete supports can reduce abuse and neglect and promote family stability. It specifically named CASA as an advocacy organization serving Adams and Broomfield counties and encouraged residents and organizations to participate in outreach and awareness activities during April.

Copies of the proclamation and photos were taken after the presentation; council members and the CASA representative remained on the dais for a photo following the remarks.