April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Together we can spread awareness while promoting safety, stability, and well-being for all children across Missouri. In 2020, more than 56,000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported across the state. These reports involved more than 78,000 children, according to the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division 2020 Annual Report.
LFCS programs and services aim to serve those impacted by child maltreatment. We also work to prevent future cases from occurring. With your help, we can end the cycle of abuse in Missouri communities. There are several ways to help:
- Wear Blue on Go Blue Day. National Go Blue Day is Thursday, April 1. You can celebrate Go Blue Day every Friday in April! Wear blue each Friday in April to support the importance of child abuse and neglect prevention. Be sure to post a photo of you wearing blue, tag @LFCSMO and use #saferstrongertogether.
- See Something, Say Something. Reporting suspected child maltreatment is key to reducing abuse and neglect. This is especially important now as reports of abuse and neglect have dropped nearly 50% since the pandemic began in March 2020. Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect to call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-392-3738. The Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline is answered 24-hours a day, every day, all year round.
- Become a foster parent. LFCS and other agencies across the state can assist interested individuals in becoming a foster parent to provide temporary, safe, loving homes for children in crisis. To learn more, visit https://lfcsmo.org/foster-care.