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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and this year’s theme is “Strong Families, Safer Futures: When We Care Together, Families Thrive.”
This theme reflects the belief that a child’s well being and development are the responsibility of the entire community—not just parents or caregivers. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, support, and shared responsibility in creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. No single individual or organization can do this work alone.
To help raise awareness, the County Administrative Building on Truxtun Avenue will be illuminated in blue throughout April 2026, serving as a powerful reminder of our collective role in safeguarding children and reporting suspected child abuse.
The Kern County Network for Children (KCNC) and the Kern County Department of Human Services (KCDHS) invite the community, organizations, and media partners to get involved and help amplify this important message.
How to Participate During Child Abuse Prevention Month:
•Join a Training
KCNC is offering free, valuable trainings open to everyone in our community.
•Support the Donation Drive
KCNC will be collecting donations intended to directly support local children. Donations may be purchased through the Amazon link on the flyer or dropped off at the KCNC offices.
•Spread the Word
Share and reshare posts throughout April from KCNC and KCDHS social media platforms to help increase community awareness.
•Wear Blue Day – April 10, 2026
Show your support by wearing blue and participating in our social media campaign using #WearBlueDay2026. Photos can be uploaded through the Google Drive link accessed via the QR code on the flyer.
•Attend 2026 Strong Families Safer Futures Resource Event- April 16, 2026
•This free event open to the public will bring together local community organizations that work year round in supporting families and children.
•Promote Blue Sunday – April 26, 2026
Blue Sunday coincides with the National Day of Prayer and is dedicated to remembering the millions of children affected by abuse and neglect. Faith communities are encouraged to participate by registering and accessing free resources at https://www.bluesunday.org.
•Remember and Reflect
Honor children lost to abuse by watching and sharing a memorial video released by KCDHS, available at KCDHS.org/CAP.
If your organization or group is participating in Child Abuse Prevention Month activities, we encourage you to share your efforts on social media and use the following hashtags:
#April2026CAPMKern #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #ThrivingFamilies #KernCountyNetworkforChildren
Together, we can raise awareness, strengthen families, and build safer futures for Kern County’s children.
For more information, please contact:
Yadira Vargas, yavargas@kern.org Kern County Network for Children https://kern.org/kern-county-network-children/child-abuse-prevention/
Kristy Torres, oropezk@kerndhs.com Kern County Department of Human Services https://www.kcdhs.org/resources/child-abuse-prevention-month
