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Prevent Child Abuse

Support | Strengthen | Educate

April is Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a n​ational campaign and annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and neglect and promoting actions that support strong families and safe, nurturing environments for children. 

Observed across the United States every April, CAP Month brings communities together to support, strengthen, and educate on how to prevent child abuse before it happens and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Learn more about the national campaign and resources at the official National Child Abuse Prevention Month website.

Wear Blue

At the Department of Family and Community Services, we wear blue on April 10, 2026 to show our support for children and families across Alaska. Wearing blue is a simple yet powerful way to raise awareness about child abuse and send a clear message that our communities stand together to protect every child.

This small gesture carries a big meaning. By wearing blue, we demonstrate our commitment to creating safe, nurturing environments where children can thrive. It’s a way to highlight the importance of strengthening families, supporting healthy communities, and ensuring that every child grows up valued, supported, and protected.

We invite everyone to join in. Wear blue, take a photo, and share it on social media using the hashtag #GoBlueDayAK. Your participation helps raise awareness, inspire others to join the cause, and show that protecting children is a shared responsibility.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and show that every child matters.

Prevention starts with strong support systems. 

The Office of Children’s Services (OCS) works with local and statewide partners to share information on resources, supports, and navigation tools that help strengthen families across Alaska.

Together, we’re building a connected network of care that ensures families can access the help they need - right when they need it.

Building protective factors that strengthen Alaska’s families and help them to thrive.

Strengthening Families™ is a research-informed, strength-based approach to helping families reduce stress, address risk factors, and promote healthy development.

The overarching goal of this approach is the promotion of child and family well-being, and education about this approach is provided to communities, providers, and families through programs including the Child Welfare Academy at University of Alaska Anchorage.

The approach is based on engaging families, programs, and communities in building five protective factors that help families succeed and thrive, even in the face of risk and challenges.

The Five Protective Factors

PARENTAL RESILIENCE Strong parents build strong families. Life throws challenges, but resilience helps us bounce back. Take time for self-care and seek support when needed—your strength is your family’s foundation.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS We’re stronger together! Building friendships and community ties creates a safety net for families. Reach out, connect, and share, because no one should parent alone.

KNOWLEDGE OF PARENTING AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, but learning helps! Understanding your child’s needs and development stages makes parenting less stressful and more joyful.

CONCRETE SUPPORT IN TIMES OF NEED It’s okay to ask for help! Accessing resources like food, housing, and healthcare during tough times keeps families safe and strong. Support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL COMPETENCE OF CHILDREN Helping kids express feelings and manage emotions builds lifelong skills. Encourage open conversations and model empathy, because emotional health matters as much as physical health!

Education empowers families and communities to prevent abuse before it happens.

The numbers below help illustrate the scope of this issue in Alaska and why prevention and support services matter:

• 22,278 reports of child abuse and neglect were made in the past year
• 29,746 children experienced out-of-home placement over the past 12 months
• 1,173 licensed foster homes are currently serving children and families across the state

OCS funds grants and contract programs such as the Child Welfare Academy, which provide training, family support, and education services across Alaska. 

In addition, Alaska’s Tribal Compact has expanded to include prevention services as a funded component, strengthening partnerships with Tribal organizations and supporting culturally responsive approaches to keeping children safe.

Resources like Alaska Parent provides parenting information, including guides, resources and community events.

• Child Welfare Academy
• Alaska’s Tribal Compact
• Alaska Parent

 

FOSTER CARE

You don’t have to live in a big city to be a foster parent. You don’t have to have a big house, a fancy car or lots of money. What you need is a home. What you need is a heart that can open to a child who needs you. Won’t you become a foster parent today? A child is waiting.

REPORTING HUB

 

The Alaska Department of Family and Community Services is committed to protecting the well-being of children, elders, and vulnerable Alaskans. The Reporting Hub provides links for reporting concerns, including child abuse, mandatory child abuse reporting, and grievances related to our services. You will also find reporting resources for other state departments.