04/01/2026
đź’™ April is Child Abuse Prevention Month đź’™
Today, April 1st, we wear BLUE to show our commitment to keeping children safe, supported, and heard.
đź“Š Why this matters in Kentucky:
📢About 14 out of every 1,000 Kentucky children experience abuse or neglect each year—nearly double the national average
📢Babies and young children are the most at risk, with infants under age 1 experiencing the highest rates of abuse and neglect
📢Neglect accounts for over half of substantiated child abuse cases in Kentucky, often linked to caregiver stress, substance use, and lack of resources.
(Sources: U.S. HHS Children’s Bureau (Child Maltreatment 2024); Kentucky Youth Advocates; Norton Children’s; KY Cabinet for Health & Family Services)
🛡️ Take Action to Protect Kentucky’s Children:
âś…Help children feel safe, supported, and valued every day
✅ Listen to children’s stories and allow them to share their feelings—believe them and take concerns seriously
✅ Encourage open communication and remind children it’s okay to speak up
âś… Pay attention to warning signs, such as changes in behavior, mood, or school performance
✅ Don’t ignore concerns—early action can prevent harm
âś… Offer compassion and support to parents and caregivers who may be under stress
📞 If you’re concerned about a child’s safety:
• Kentucky Child Protection Hotline: 1‑877‑KY‑SAFE‑1 (1‑877‑597‑2331)
• In an emergency or immediate danger, call 911
💙Your call could make a life‑changing difference. 💙
💙Together, we can build strong families, safer communities, and brighter futures for Kentucky’s children. 💙
