April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and an organization in Santa Cruz County is highlighting the importance of community support and stability
Brooke Kinebrew I KSBW
WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Dozens of blue pinwheels spin in the wind outside of CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Santa Cruz County.
The pinwheels are a symbol of child abuse prevention throughout April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This year's theme is "Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention."
The local social services organization is shifting the focus from the trauma of abuse to preventative efforts, aiming to keep children from falling into the system.
"Making sure if the child is stable emotionally, financially, and gets connected enough with resources, food, housing, mental health, they're better and the family does much better," CASA of Santa Cruz County Board President Paz Padilla said.
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin emphasized the need to continue working with the Department of Insurance and foster family agencies to find long-term solutions to prevent child abuse and neglect.
"We're making sure that cuts that we're making are not going to send an individual or a family further into crisis, so keeping people, in care facilities, keeping the children, getting the services they need, especially our children that are the most vulnerable children that are abused," Pellerin said.
Right now, providing services like dental care, food and housing assistance, and healthcare for 124 verified child survivors across Santa Cruz County costs 53 million dollars.
Advocates say that with anxiety and depression on the rise, it's more important than ever to educate and decriminalize mental health.
"I think part of trying to have protective factors in place for children is that we can create a more resilient child that will thrive and be more vibrant, and so this is by having social connections, making sure that they have friends that can offer support, family members, teachers, guardians," CASA Advocate Susan Maroon said.
More than 360,000 children across the United States are facing child abuse and neglect.
Click here if you're interested in volunteering to help a child in foster care.