When is National Child Abuse Prevention Month?
National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2027
Thu, Apr 1, 2027 – Fri, Apr 30, 2027
The whole of April. That's in 166 days.
until National Child Abuse Prevention Month begins, in your time zone
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a US observance that encourages communities to support parents and families and to help prevent child abuse and neglect before it happens. April was first proclaimed for this purpose in 1983.
About National Child Abuse Prevention Month
The month focuses on prevention rather than only on responding after harm is done. Child welfare agencies, schools, health providers, faith groups and nonprofits use April to share information on how to support stressed parents, connect families with services, recognize warning signs of abuse and neglect, and report concerns. Many communities pair that message with practical help, such as parenting classes, home visiting programs and family resource centers.
The observance grew out of earlier federal action. Congress passed the first federal child protection law, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, in 1974. In the early 1980s, the House and Senate asked the President to proclaim June 6 to 12, 1982, as the first National Child Abuse Prevention Week. The following year, April was proclaimed the first National Child Abuse Prevention Month, according to the US Children's Bureau, and awareness activities have been held across the country every April since.
The Office on Child Abuse and Neglect within the Children's Bureau, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, coordinates the month and has used it to release updated national statistics. Presidents have continued to proclaim the month, including Barack Obama in 2009 and 2016. Blue ribbons are a common symbol: the Blue Ribbon Campaign began in 1989 when a Virginia grandmother tied a blue ribbon to her car antenna in memory of her grandson, who died as a result of abuse.
Sources: Child Welfare Information Gateway: History of National Child Abuse Prevention Month (archived), The White House: Presidential Proclamation, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, 2016, Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline. How we check dates.
How to mark National Child Abuse Prevention Month
- Offer practical help to a parent you know who seems stretched thin, such as a meal, a ride or an hour of child care.
- Learn the warning signs of child abuse and neglect and how to make a report in your state.
- Wear a blue ribbon or display one at your home, school or workplace during April.
- Volunteer with or donate to a family resource center, home visiting program or child advocacy center.
- Ask your school or employer what training staff receive on recognizing and reporting abuse.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month dates
| Year | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Tue, Apr 1 – Wed, Apr 30 |
| 2026 | Wed, Apr 1 – Thu, Apr 30 |
| 2027 | Thu, Apr 1 – Fri, Apr 30 |
| 2028 | Sat, Apr 1 – Sun, Apr 30 |
| 2029 | Sun, Apr 1 – Mon, Apr 30 |
| 2030 | Mon, Apr 1 – Tue, Apr 30 |
| 2031 | Tue, Apr 1 – Wed, Apr 30 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2027?
National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2027 is Thu, Apr 1, 2027 – Fri, Apr 30, 2027. It falls on the whole of April. In 2028, it is on Saturday, April 1, 2028.
When did April become Child Abuse Prevention Month?
April was first proclaimed National Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983, the year after Congress and the President marked the first National Child Abuse Prevention Week in June 1982.
How do I report suspected child abuse?
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or local emergency services. In the US, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 can talk you through what to do, or you can contact your state or local child protective services agency.
Why are blue ribbons linked to the month?
The Blue Ribbon Campaign started in 1989 with a Virginia grandmother's tribute to her grandson, who died as a result of abuse. Many people now wear blue ribbons in April.
Is National Child Abuse Prevention Month a public holiday?
No. National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.