CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH — Cuyahoga County believes Child Abuse is Preventable and proudly recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), in collaboration with its community partners, will host various activities this month as part of its Strong Communities, Healthy Families, Safe Children Campaign. 

“Our greatest community resource is our children, and it’s our collective responsibility to keep our children safe from abuse and harm,” said Jacqueline Fletcher, Director of the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services. “From academics to mental well-being, children prosper in safe environments. Together, we can ensure every child in our community has an opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities:

Wear Blue Day 2025 – Wednesday, April 9: Cuyahoga County staff will wear blue to highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month. Residents are encouraged to wear blue with their family, friends, and coworkers and share their photos on social media with us using the hashtag #CuyahogaWearsBlue.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Mandated Reporter Presentation – Wednesday, April 16 at 10:30am: DCFS staff will conduct a webinar to explain how the DCFS team keeps children in Cuyahoga County safe. The virtual event is free but pre-registration is required. Visit here for more information.

Child Abuse is Preventable 5k Walk and Press Conference – Wednesday, April 23 (Walk: 10:30 am and Press Conference: 11:00 am): The public is invited to join Cuyahoga County staff and community groups for the Child Abuse is Preventable 5k Walk. The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Jane Edna Hunter building at 3955 Euclid Avenue and will travel to the County's Administrative Headquarters at 2079 East 9th Street.  

Upon arrival at headquarters, the press conference will be held featuring Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, Jacqueline Fletcher, Director of the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services, and Jennifer Johnson of the Canopy Child Advocacy Center. The event aims to raise awareness about child abuse and highlight the community's role in protecting children.

Participation in the walk is free, but registration is required. To register, visit CAPM 5K 2025.

Other Ways to Help:

• Donate - Consider donating your time and/or resources to organizations that work with children and families. DCFS partners with various organizations, including foster care agencies, mentoring programs, and family support services that need volunteers.
• Report - If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, report it immediately to DCFS or local law enforcement. By reporting your concerns, you can help protect the child and provide them with the support they need to heal and recover.
• Help -You can support struggling parents by offering to babysit, providing a meal, or connecting them with resources and services in the community.
• Foster - Another way to make a difference is by becoming a foster parent, providing a safe and loving home for children in need.

For more information on the Strong Communities, Healthy Families, Safe Children campaign, please visit here or contact the DCFS Outreach office at DCFSOutreach@jfs.ohio.gov.