Sedgwick County proclaims April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month; local groups urge prevention supports

The Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners on April 2, 2025 adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and urged community action to support children and families.

Rachel Harper, assistant director of the Prevent Child Abuse Kansas chapter at the Kansas Children's Service League (KCSL), told the commission that April has been recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month since 1983 and described the blue pinwheel as the month's national symbol. Harper outlined prevention priorities including economic and social supports for families, access to child care and paid leave, community-based resources, and policies that empower families before harm occurs: "Prevention is a shared responsibility," Harper said.

Diana Shun, chief executive officer of the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County, described the center's services, including advocacy, therapy, case coordination and community education, and said the center serves about 2,000 children a year. Shun said the organization is conducting a capital campaign to expand a one-location facility where co-located partners can offer coordinated services and wraparound supports. "Our goal is to be able to have a one location that children and their families can come to and receive services when there's a child abuse investigation," Shun said.

Commissioners thanked the coalition of agencies that joined KCSL at the meeting and highlighted volunteer needs for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Commissioner comments emphasized both the importance of prevention and the practical need for volunteer advocates in child-welfare cases.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the proclamation; the roll-call vote was Bluebaugh Aye; Wise Aye; Howe Aye; Meitzner Aye; Chairman Ryan Beatty Aye.