Go Blue for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Childhood should be a time of joy, hope, exploration and love. Sadly, many children spend this foundational time of their lives in fear, pain and uncertainty due to abuse and neglect.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, when we join together to reaffirm our commitment to protecting children and strengthening families. This month and throughout the year, the City of Newport News encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our community a place where children are safe, nurtured and supported. 

In Newport News, dedicated and compassionate employees in the Department of Human Services provide innovative services, programs and educational opportunities to strengthen families and promote the physical and emotional health and well-being of children. Documented evidence has shown that these family support measures lessen the likelihood of child abuse and neglect. Working with a large number of concerned and compassionate organizations and individuals, our goal is to protect and nurture young children and ensure those who experienced the traumas of abuse or neglect have the support and care they need.
We typically commemorate National Child Abuse Prevention Month with a 

“Pinwheels for Prevention” ceremony in the Silent Children’s Garden. Due to the cornoarvirus, we are unable to hold the event this year. Instead, we ask everyone to support our virtual garden. Take a picture of yourself in blue and post it to the Newport News Department of Human Services’ Facebook page and tag #PinwheelsforPreventionNNDHS.  

Earlier this year, Human Services launched a campaign to recruit foster care families. To learn how you can provide hope and comfort to children in need, contact 757-926-6282 or fosterparenting@nnva.gov.