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Henry County organizations go blue for Child Abuse Prevention Month
Henry County groups are taking action this April with events, donations, and outreach focused on preventing child abuse and strengthening families
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MT. PLEASANT — Community members and organizations throughout Henry County are standing united this April in support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. By wearing blue, donating supplies, and promoting educational outreach, local groups are emphasizing the importance of family support and community connection to help prevent child abuse before it starts.
“We are wearing blue today to raise awareness and show our support for Child Abuse Prevention month!” stated Henry County Public Health in a social media post encouraging participation. “Kindness matters. Research shows that a welcoming, connected, and empathetic community improves outcomes for children and reduces the risk of abuse and neglect. Help spread kindness today and every day.”
With support from others like those in the Public Health department, The Family Connection of Henry and Washington Counties stands at the forefront of prevention work in the region. The organization reminds the public that many of their services are themselves forms of prevention.
“Together, we can raise awareness, support families, and strengthen our community to ensure every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment,” Henry County Iowa State Extension Office posted on Wear Blue Day, April 4.
According to The Family Connection, the programming provides support and education to families with young children which helps prevent child abuse. They recently expanded the reach of this education with Parent Cafes which invite parents and caregivers of children of any age to come and learn important Prevention Factors.
The five key Protective Factors identified by the Center for the Study of Social Policy which appear in The Family Connection Programming include: parental resilience, social connections, knowledge of parenting and child development, concrete support in times of need, and social and emotional competence in children. These factors are proven to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.
Additional ways the Henry County Community is coming together to raise awareness and support families include The Family Connection accepting donations and Mt. Pleasant Hy-Vee raising funds for the Tolson Community Action Food Bank throughout April with pinwheel donations.
Pinwheels for Prevention became a symbol of Child Abuse Prevention month in 2008.
“What our research showed, and what our experiences since then have reinforced, is that people respond positively to pinwheels, which represent childlike whimsy and lightheartedness and our vision for a world where all children grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities,” Prevent Child Abuse America states.
Efforts in Henry County align with broader statewide initiatives. According to Iowa Health and Human Services, 43 community-based organizations serving 44 of Iowa’s 99 counties were awarded 50 unique service contracts between 2021 and 2025 under the combined funding of the Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program (ICAPP) and the federal Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grant. The consolidation of these programs aims to “maximize funding and reduce duplication.”
These funds support services particularly geared toward at-risk families, including those living near the poverty line, young parents, families with young children or a history of trauma, and families facing challenges such as substance abuse or domestic violence. The supported services include home visitation, public awareness campaigns, parent development programs, and sexual abuse prevention education.
Statewide and national organizations are pushing for systemic change during April as well. Prevent Child Abuse America and Prevent Child Abuse Iowa hosted a Digital Action Day on April 9, calling on citizens to contact lawmakers to protect and expand funding for prevention services.
“Your voice can influence change and elevate critical issues and needed support for children to the forefront of policymaker’s decisions. Reach out to your member of Congress today,” Prevent Child Abuse Iowa encouraged.
The budget reconciliation process in the U.S. Congress is currently underway, and decisions made this month will have significant impacts on federal programs that impact children and their families. We need your help to ensure that investments in Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention grants, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and the prevention of child sexual abuse receive robust funding to continue providing vital services to the families who need them the most.
These federal investments are proven to prevent child maltreatment and ensure children reach their full health and life potential. They strengthen community-based primary prevention by investing in practical solutions and focusing resources to support kids and families before they are in crisis, helping them to thrive and avoid costly interventions.
Child abuse remains a serious concern in Iowa. According to reports published by Iowa Health and Human Services, thousands of cases are confirmed each year. These statistics highlight the urgency and relevance of prevention campaigns and services offered across the state and here in Henry County.
While the issue is complex, the message from local advocates remains one of hope, compassion, and action. Through community support, education, and resource access, organizations believe real change is possible.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
