15 Apr Child Abuse Prevention Month: Kosair for Kids Face It Movement Events, Resources, and More
LOUISVILLE, KY – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, an important time to remember that everyone has a role to play in keeping kids safe and building strong communities for families to grow and thrive. For over a decade, the Face It Movement, an initiative founded and funded by Kosair for Kids, has been on a mission to end child maltreatment in the Commonwealth by promoting best practices in child abuse prevention and intervention, building awareness and engaging the community, and advocating for effective policies to improve the systems that keep kids safe.
According to the latest federal Child Maltreatment Report, Kentucky ranks 14th in the nation in child victims of maltreatment. While there has been a 48% reduction in child victims of maltreatment from 2018 to 2022, Kentucky is around 60% higher than the national rate (7.7 per 1,000) of child maltreatment at 12.3 per 1,000 children. One case of child maltreatment is one too many so it is important to continue identifying risk factors and promoting policies and programs that will boost efforts to protect children and support families.
“Together, we have reduced the rates of child abuse and neglect in our Commonwealth. But there’s so much more work to do until all kids are safe. That’s why our more than 160 statewide partners continue to address risks that lead to maltreatment. Every child deserves to grow up healthy, safe, and joyful,” said Barry Dunn, president and CEO of Kosair for Kids.
During the month of April, Face It will be hosting events, sharing free resources, promoting child safety tips and family engagement ideas, and more. Schedule of public events:
> April 17th at 12:00 PM ET – Virtual Face It Lunch & Learn: When Help Is Hard
Parenting can be full of joy and also chaos. As a parent, professional, or both we can both offer help and ask for help. Join the Face It Movement and Dr. Darlene Davis Goodwine for a panel discussion on why help is so important, what barriers get in the way of receiving or seeking help, and how to encourage parents to get that help. *Social Work CEUs available. REGISTER HERE.
> April 18th at 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM ET at Mellwood Art Center in Louisville – Kosair for Kids Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon
Join Kosair for Kids to learn how you can support our game plan to end child abuse and neglect in Kentucky. REGISTER HERE.
> April 23rd at 5:30 – 8:30 PM ET at the Ice House in Louisville – The Art of Healing
The long-term effects of childhood abuse impact our communities and those we love. Local artists will showcase how creative expression aids in healing. Interactive stations will demonstrate connecting mind and body, supporting survivors, and building community resilience through art, music, and movement. REGISTER HERE.
> April 24th at 2:00 PM ET at Kosair for Kids in Louisville – Curiosity Club
Melissa Currie, board-certified child abuse pediatrician, will present and lead a discussion on the challenges in court with prosecuting pediatric abusive head trauma cases. The Curiosity Club is open to anyone interested in learning more about issues related to child maltreatment; discussing the latest research, data findings, and ways to apply what’s been learned to your work; and networking with like-minded people. *Social Work CEUs available. REGISTER HERE.
> April 25th at 12:00 – 12:30 PM ET – Virtual LIBA Lunch & Learn: Your Role in Keeping Kids Safe
Every adult can play a role in keeping kids safe and supporting families in their ability to thrive. Join LIBA member, Kosair for Kids Face It Movement, to learn more about Face It, child maltreatment prevention strategies as a business and caring community member, and about available child abuse prevention and bystander awareness trainings. REGISTER HERE.
Many of Face It’s community partner organizations across the state are also hosting events throughout April. Check out an overview of Face It’s Child Abuse Prevention Month efforts, a calendar of events, and ways to take action throughout the month at faceitabuse.org/capm.
“Only made possible by the longstanding commitment of Kosair for Kids, the Face It Movement continues to expand its reach and impact on child abuse prevention efforts in Kentucky. We continue to deepen our community partnerships, galvanize unlikely allies, activate around the latest data and research, and bolster strong family and community connections – all with a goal to reduce child maltreatment and increase parental strengthens. We encourage all caring community members to learn more and identify tangible ways they can make a difference,” said Dr. Shannon Moody, Kentucky Youth Advocates’ lead on the Face It Movement.
Every adult in Kentucky is a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect. If you suspect child maltreatment, make a report to Child Protective Services at 1-877-KYSAFE1 (1-877-597-2331).
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About the Face It® Movement
The Face It Movement launched in 2013 as an initiative led by Kosair for Kids in response to the number of child abuse deaths in the Commonwealth. Face It focuses on a three-pronged approach to addressing child abuse and neglect: promote best practices in child abuse prevention and intervention, build awareness and engage the community, and advocate for effective policies to improve the child welfare system. Learn more at faceitmovement.org.
About Kosair for Kids®
Kosair for Kids enhances the health and well-being of children by delivering financial support for healthcare, research, education, social services, and child advocacy. We envision a world in which children in need live life to the fullest. For more information, please visit kosair.org.