Help keep kids safe: Child Abuse Prevention Month
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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2025 CONTACT: Erin Stover, 517-285-6270, [email protected] MDHHS and Children Trust Michigan raise awareness of resources and support available to families to help keep kids safe as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally to be held at the Capitol on April 15 LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), along with Children Trust Michigan, recognizes the important role child abuse prevention plays in keeping kids safe and helping parents, families and caretakers access the tools they need to raise children in supportive home environments. “Children deserve to grow up in safe, loving and nurturing homes. Every day, our caseworkers help families navigate crises by connecting them to prevention resources and support to help families stay together safely because research shows that kids do best when they are with their families,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “MDHHS is committed to our shared responsibility with the legislature, law enforcement, judges and partners to continue to enhance Michigan’s child welfare system to meet the needs of kids and families.” As part of the activities and initiatives planned throughout the month, the 17th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally, known for its blue and silver pinwheel garden, will be held on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 a.m. at the Michigan State Capitol. The rally will host several guest speakers including Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Attorney General Dana Nessel, MDHHS Senior Deputy Director Demetrius Starling and others. “Every Michigander has a role to play in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. From parent support as they raise their family to informing the community on the importance of their role in keeping children safe, Children Trust Michigan partners are there,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “The blue and silver pinwheels displayed in April, and throughout the year, symbolize the health and happiness all children deserve. We ask that all Michiganders join us to help raise awareness this month about the long-term impact child abuse and neglect has and help to strengthen families and to create brighter futures for all Michigan’s children.” In addition to Governor Whitmer’s FY2026 budget which includes investments focused on meaningful, timely and effective services and supports to help kids safe, the governor has proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan. Ongoing efforts to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children: Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda The Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda outlines proactive steps to enhance the safety and well-being of children across the state. This agenda focuses on key areas such as prevention, intervention, stability, wellness and workforce to ensure we are providing the best possible support for Michigan’s children and families. Family Resource Centers Family resource centers, a key part of the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, are community-based resource hubs where people and families can access formal and informal supports to promote their health and well-being. While family resource centers have many things in common, they are designed to reflect and be responsive to community needs and interests. They build parenting skills, connect families to resources and develop parent and community leadership. Family Impact Teams (FIT) Launched in August 2023 as part of the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, FIT is an innovative program that keeps children at risk of neglect safely in their homes by delivering services and assistance to families such as food and housing assistance, Medicaid programs and gas cards. Through FIT, MDHHS family resource specialists engage with families face-to-face, determine their eligibility for assistance programs offered by MDHHS, and refer them to other local agencies that can provide them with resources to meet the families’ needs. Children Services Administration (CSA) teaming and support model With the new CSA teaming model, announced in March 2025, employees will have clear and distinct roles and guidance on collaboration expectations to provide support for families from the moment they enter the child welfare system. The team, including caseworkers, supervisors, family resource specialists and other support roles will work cohesively to address families’ specific needs, whether its economic, educational or administrative. This will empower the CSA workforce by providing additional supports to handle complex situations, both improving the employee experience and reducing turnover while maintaining continuity for families. About Children Trust Michigan Children Trust Michigan, housed within MDHHS, was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1982. It serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect |
