CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH — April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is calling on residents, organizations, and community partners to come together in supporting families and protecting children.

This year’s theme — Child Abuse is Preventable — is a call for action to connect families with support before a challenge becomes a crisis.

Throughout April, DCFS, along with community organizations and neighborhood collaboratives, will host events that provide families with the guidance and resources they need to stabilize and move forward. Resources can also be found on the DCFS Family Support Resources page.

2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month events include:

Wednesday, April 8th
Public Children Services Association of Ohio Wear Blue Day

Residents across Ohio are encouraged to wear blue in support of child abuse prevention. Share photos using #OhioWearsBlue2026 and #ItTakesACommunity.

Saturday, April 11th
Great Lakes Regional Family Fun Day

Children’s Museum Cleveland, 3813 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland

Free event from 3:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m. featuring activities for kids, resource tables for parents, and boxed lunches (registration is required).

Sunday, April 12th
Family Success Network @ Family Fun Day

Cleveland Museum of Art. 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland

Families can engage with the Family Success Network and learn about free, family-centered support services. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15th
Virtual Family Support Resource Information Session

Watch Online from 12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.

Child abuse is preventable. Hear how strong community support can help nurture healthy families and help keep children safe. Meet some of the community partners and organizations that help families before struggles become a crisis.

Thursday, April 30th
Compassion Symposium

Rockside Church, 4100 Rockside Road, Independence

Hosted by DCFS, CarePortal, and Safe Families for Children. The event runs from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and will highlight practical ways individuals and organizations can support families. Light breakfast and lunch provided. The event is free, and registration is required.

Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF) Prevention Webinars

OTCF will host a series of free virtual prevention webinars throughout April. Each session will highlight child abuse prevention efforts taking place across the state and the real impact those programs are having on families. Registration is open for professionals as well as the public. The webinars will be held via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Register here.

Webinar Schedule:

• April 1 – DCY Family and Customer Support Center
• April 8 – Southeast Ohio School Outreach
• April 15 – Family Connects
• April 23 – Parent Advocacy and Leadership
• April 29 – Family Support Through Primary Prevention

Additional information about family support resources