Fairfax County announced on April 27 that it is observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting the theme “Building Stronger Families: Solid Foundations for Family Well-being.” The county emphasized the importance of creating a stable environment for families, noting that love forms the foundation but other elements such as support systems, community resources, and parenting knowledge are also crucial.
The initiative underscores the lasting impact of child abuse and neglect. Fairfax County said research shows that preventing adverse childhood experiences can lead to better long-term health outcomes and lower societal costs. The county encourages residents to promote safe and nurturing relationships so all children and families can thrive.
As part of its awareness campaign, Fairfax County outlined several ways community members can help prevent child abuse and neglect. These include recognizing signs such as malnourishment or unexplained injuries, following local supervision guidelines which state that children eight years old or younger should never be left unsupervised, and utilizing available support services. Parents are encouraged to call the Parent Support Line for guidance on topics like child development or accessing resources. The Department of Family Services also offers parenting classes, workshops, support groups known as Parent Cafés, and specialized programs for fathers.
The county urges anyone concerned about a child’s safety to contact Child Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline. In addition, free Virtual Body Safety classes are available for Pre-K through sixth grade students in Fairfax County using evidence-based curriculum to teach children how to identify risks such as abuse or cyberbullying.
Fairfax County also encourages adults to serve as mentors or volunteers with children in their community. “Strong mentorship experiences can have an incredibly positive effect on children’s self-esteem and success in life,” according to the announcement.
