April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

support. strengthen. educate.

Child with blue pinwheel

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

support. strengthen. educate.

Child with blue pinwheel

Prevent Child Abuse

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.

Anchorage Office Staff on Go Blue Day 2026
Anchorage Staff on Go Blue Day, 2026

Partners

#GoBlueDayAK

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.

support.

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.

Alaska Impact Alliance

Through the Alaska Impact Alliance, the 907 Navigation App is a free resource designed to help Alaskans easily find and navigate local resources, social services and benefit systems.

Alaska Department of Health

Alaskan youth are the cornerstone of our state, and Alaska Department of Health (DOH) offers programs that give youth the best chances to lead healthy lives from the start.

Beacon Hill

In 2015, CarePortal was launched by The Global Orphan Project and has since expanded nationwide, engaging agencies, schools, churches, businesses, and more to deliver proactive, local care for kids.

Alaska Children’s Trust

In addition to advocacy and training, Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT) provides Parents and Caregivers with information on resources available in Alaska to help families in Alaska thrive.

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.

Alaska Impact Alliance

Through the Alaska Impact Alliance, the 907 Navigation App is a free resource designed to help Alaskans easily find and navigate local resources, social services and benefit systems.

Alaska Department of Health

Alaskan youth are the cornerstone of our state, and Alaska Department of Health (DOH) offers programs that give youth the best chances to lead healthy lives from the start.

Beacon Hill

In 2015, CarePortal was launched by The Global Orphan Project and has since expanded nationwide, engaging agencies, schools, churches, businesses, and more to deliver proactive, local care for kids.

Alaska Children’s Trust

In addition to advocacy and training, Alaska Children’s Trust (ACT) provides Parents and Caregivers with information on resources available in Alaska to help families in Alaska thrive.

strengthen.

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.

Woman kissing baby while writing in a notebook

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.

Family cooking hotdogs on a grill outdoors
Woman with a baby on her lap in a parenting class

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.

Three adults laughing holding their toddlers in a playroom
Mom helping kids wash their hands in a small creek

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!

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.

Woman kissing baby while writing in a notebook

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.

Family cooking hotdogs on a grill outdoors

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.

Woman with a baby on her lap in a parenting class

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.

Three adults laughing holding their toddlers in a playroom

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.

Mom helping kids wash their hands in a small creek

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!

educate.

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.

Girl holding the hand of an adult in silhouette

Foster Care

Please consider becoming a foster parent today. It may be the most rewarding thing you ever do.

Learn More
Headset hanging off edge of laptop screen

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.

Reporting Hub
Sad Child

Report Child Abuse

The fastest and easiest way to report child abuse is to call the OCS reporting hotline at 800-478-4444.

Submit a Report