Dare County proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Week of the Young Child

The Dare County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two proclamations recognizing child-focused observances in April: one declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and another designating April 5–11, 2025 as the Week of the Young Child.

Presenters from the Dare County Department of Health and Human Services and the Children & Youth Partnership for Dare County briefed the board on awareness activities tied to each observance. Kaylee Askew and Letia Banks described Child Abuse Prevention Month activities including Wear Blue Day, community displays and free parenting programs; Sarah Sampson and Jennifer Bradshaw Garrett of Children & Youth Partnership described the Week of the Young Child and promoted an upcoming Kids Fest on May 9 at Roanoke Island Festival Park.

After county staff read the proclamation texts, a motion to adopt the Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation was made from the floor and seconded by Commissioner Burris; the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Later, a motion to adopt the Week of the Young Child proclamation was made and seconded; that motion also passed by unanimous voice vote.

Both proclamations encourage community participation in prevention and early-childhood programs and recognize partnerships among local agencies, schools, health-care providers and civic organizations. The proclamations do not create regulatory obligations or carry direct budgetary impact; they are formal recognitions used to raise awareness.

Copies of the proclamations will be available from county staff and the presenting organizations.