April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to reaffirm our commitment to building safer, stronger communities where children can be seen, heard, respected, and able to thrive. This year’s theme, “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention,” reflects the heart of our work at PCA Iowa.
Hope fuels our vision: a world free from child abuse. Our mission underscores the urgency of prevention, ending with a call to create a stronger prevention network in Iowa. But what does prevention truly look like in our communities?
Prevention happens when we:
Support families and help parents and caregivers navigate and manage stress.
Connect families to vital resources before challenges become crises.
Foster positive relationships that strengthen children’s well-being.
Educate adults on the importance and power of play in childhood development.
Ensure children feel a deep sense of belonging within their families and communities.
Prevention means acting before families are in crisis. This work cannot be done alone! It requires all of us. Strong communities prioritize families, shaping policies and practices that give every child the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and loved.