Board recognizes April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month; county lists prevention events and partnerships

The Tulare County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month and heard a detailed summary of prevention activities from county child welfare staff and local prevention partners.

Gilbert Rivas, Deputy Director with Child Welfare Services, told the board that prevention requires cross-system partnerships and community engagement. "As we recognize Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, we are reminded that protecting children is not just a responsibility, it's a shared commitment," Rivas said. He and Beth Willshire of the Child Abuse Prevention Council described partner-led events, trainings for mandated reporters, and a large kickoff resource fair that attracted dozens of vendors and hundreds of attendees.

Speakers highlighted concrete outcomes: organizers counted hundreds of participating families at events, expanded partnerships (including nontraditional partners), and a marketing campaign funded in part by the state Office of Child Abuse Prevention to place yard signs and public messaging across the county. The council also announced Wear Blue Day and a re-dedication of a memorial bench in Farmersville and invited the board to upcoming local events.

The proclamation called on county residents to support programs that strengthen families and help prevent abuse. Board members praised the breadth of community engagement and the prevention council's outreach work.