CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), in partnership with the Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund and Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming, invite community members to participate in activities offered throughout April recognizing Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month.
According to the DFS, the agencies, along with state and local partners, are working together to prevent child abuse by providing sustainable support at home.
“Local organizations, DFS offices and family resource centers use their deep understanding of the local community to offer tailored services to families in crisis,” the DFS said via press release. “Food assistance, home heating assistance and child care payment assistance can sometimes be the catalyst for change that removes stress factors and keeps children safe.”
On Jan. 8, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released its national 2023 Child Maltreatment Report showing a continued decline in both maltreatment reports and child deaths from abuse and neglect both in Wyoming and nationally.
“A growing body of evidence shows that the best way to prevent child maltreatment and enhance child safety is by investing in supports that keep families strong and stable,” DFS Social Services Senior Administrator Kristie Gordy wrote. “As we continue to look for ways to improve child welfare systems and prevent maltreatment injuries and deaths, we must center our efforts on building and sustaining a system that invests in families early, emphasizes protective factors and keeps families strong, healthy, safe and together.”
Community actions in April to help raise awareness include:
- Governor Mark Gordon’s Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation signing at the Capitol in Cheyenne at 2:30 p.m. on April 7. Stay after the signing to plant pinwheels on the Capitol grounds (weather permitting).
- Wear boots every Monday and blue every Friday in April to support child abuse prevention. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WYKidsMatter.
- Follow Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming on Facebook and Instagram and share posts using the hashtags #WYKidsMatter, #PoweredbyHope and #CAPMonth2025 to signify commitment to helping children, families and communities.
- Reach out to neighbors, friends and family members to offer support and recognition in the challenges that parenting brings.
For more ways to get involved and to download the 2025 CAP Month toolkit, go here.
