April 2026 is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month
Join us in recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This national recognition first began in 1983 via presidential proclamation, to increase awareness of child maltreatment, and the critical role of prevention in maintaining child and family safety and well-being.
Child Abuse Prevention Month aligns with our collaborative prevention-focused initiative with the Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Partnership, as we shift the historic “mandated reporting” model, to a “community supporting” approach centered in prevention and early connection. Read more under ‘Family & Children's Services IN THE NEWS” below.
Our month-long recognition efforts culminate on April 24, with a
Children’s Memorial Flag Raising Ceremony
👉🏾 WHAT: Children’s Memorial Flag Raising Ceremony
👉🏿 WHEN: April 24, 2026, beginning at 12 pm
👉🏼 WHERE: Courthouse Steps at 701 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz
👉🏾 WHO: All are welcome!
Learn about the incredible
EVENT SPEAKERS participating in this important flag raising ceremony, and read our event press release, linked below in English and Spanish, for more details:
“The County of Santa Cruz is committed to advancing policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of all our county’s children and families. Every family and child deserve supports to help them thrive, feel purposeful and have hope for the future. I encourage our community to join in our efforts this month and become partners in child abuse prevention.” Gloria Carroll, Division Director of the Human Services Department’s Family and Children's Services Division
Family & Children's Services IN THE NEWS
Read the latest on how Family and Children’s Services and the Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Partnership are transforming the way children stay safe and how families are being supported in Santa Cruz County:
Children's Network Symposium
Family and Children’s Services is partnering with the United Way's Children's Network and the Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Partnership to center youth voice and early support for families. Join us for a convening focused on prevention, early intervention, and strengthening the systems that protect children and stabilize families:
👉🏿 WHEN: March 5, 2026 | 10 am to 4 pm
👉🏼 WHERE: Twin Lakes Church, Aptos
👉🏾 WHO: Community leaders, service providers and advocacy partners
Mandated Reporter Training Opportunities
A CLINICAL EXPLORATION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT RISK FACTORS, WARNING SIGNS AND INTERVENTIONS
This no cost training will provide mandated reporters with necessary information to make a child abuse and neglect report. Designed for social workers, mental health professionals, K-12 educators, medical professionals, peer advocates and judicial members, this didactic and collaborative training will provide mandated reporters with an enhanced understanding of child abuse and neglect, and of the approach of the child welfare system in Santa Cruz County.
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the English-language trainings.
- CLICK HERE to read about the training that will be held in Spanish.
March 24 Training
1 pm – 4:30 pm
Community Room at 500 Westridge Dr., Watsonville, CA 95076
CLICK HERE to register for the Watsonville training
April 10 Training
8:30 am – 12 pm
Sheriff's Community Room at 5200 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
CLICK HERE to register for the Watsonville training
April 24 Spanish Language Training
Una exploración clínica de abuso infantil y negligencia, factores de riesgo, señales de advertencia, e intervención
9 am – 12 pm
A virtual workshop, held on Microsoft Teams
CLICK HERE to register for the virtual, Spanish-language training
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Once registered, please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time to find parking and to get to the training room from the parking lot. To request accommodations for special needs, please email
emilia.gonzalez@santacruzcountyca.gov. The course meets qualifications for 3 hours of continuing education credit for LMFT’s, LCSW’s, LPCC’s and LEP’s as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and is supported by Mandated Reporter Training and the California Department of Social Services. Completion certificates will be emailed to each participant after completion of an online evaluation form.
County Board of Supervisors approves the 2025-2030 System Improvement Plan (SIP)!