April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and take action to support families and prevent child abuse and neglect. While Texas has made significant progress in preventing child abuse, there is still much work to be done. In 2024 alone, there were 53,543 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in our state. This heartbreaking reality underscores the urgent need to extend a helping hand to struggling families.
Children thrive in stable, safe, and supportive environments. The most effective way to protect Texas children is by supporting the adults in their lives—parents, caregivers, and formal and informal kinship providers. Prevention is not just a policy goal; it is a shared responsibility that requires the support of all Texans.
Supporting Texas Families Through Prevention
No two families are the same, and their needs vary. Some may benefit from one-time support from their church to cover rent, utilities, or groceries. Others may need more comprehensive assistance through evidence-based home visiting programs. These services provide essential support to parents, promoting nurturing environments where children can thrive.
However, community-based providers across Texas report increasing challenges. Families are facing greater hardships, and the demand for services has surged. At the same time, providers are dealing with staffing shortages and high workloads, making it even harder to meet the growing needs.
Moving Beyond Awareness to Action
As we observe Child Abuse Prevention Month, it’s an opportunity for each of us to reflect on how we can contribute to building stronger, healthier families. Prevention is not just the responsibility of policymakers or service providers; it’s something we can all take part in.
Here are a few ways you can get involved:
- Advocate: Get to know our 89th Legislative Priorities and raise awareness about the needs of families in your community. Want to join TexProtects in advocating for policies that prioritize prevention and family support? Email us to find out how to engage during the Legislative Session at the Capitol.
- Join our Collaboratives: If your organization is involved in child welfare, we encourage you to check out our Child Protection Roundtable and/or Texas Prevention Network. We are stronger together!
- Connect with Your Community: Your community is key in preventing child abuse and there are organizations in your own backyard that work every day to strengthen families. Reach out to TexProtects’ Partner Engagement and Policy Implementation Manager, San Juanita Ruvalcaba, to connect with providers in your community.
- Support Your Neighbors: Simple acts of kindness—like offering a helping hand, providing a listening ear or connecting families with resources—can create a ripple effect of positive change.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
We all play a critical role in preventing child abuse and neglect. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to building a stronger, safer Texas for children and families. With hope as our guide and prevention as our strength, we can create a future where every Texas family has the support they need to thrive.
