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Commission proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month; local agencies outline supports
Summary
Sedgwick County commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month; Kansas Children’s Service League and local partners outlined prevention work and called for volunteers and community supports.
The Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners on April 2 adopted a proclamation recognizing April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Sedgwick County and urged residents to support prevention efforts.
Rachel Harper, assistant director for Prevent Child Abuse Kansas at the Kansas Children's Service League, thanked the commission and said prevention requires community partnerships and supports. "Prevention isn't just about avoiding harm. It's about creating opportunities for families to thrive," Harper said, and she encouraged participation in awareness activities including National Wear Blue Day and a digital action day on April 9.
Representatives from the Wichita Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention and partner agencies introduced themselves and summarized services: advocacy, therapy, case coordination, community education and volunteer-driven court advocacy (CASA). Commissioner Howe urged residents to step forward as CASA volunteers, described the role as "a friend of the child" during court processes, and provided a contact: Casa@sedgwickcounty.org.
The proclamation was adopted by roll call without objection; commissioners thanked coalition members and highlighted the county's ongoing capital campaign to expand the local Child Advocacy Center's services. Agencies noted the Child Advocacy Center serves roughly 2,000 children a year and is engaged in a capital campaign to centralize and expand services.
