Prevention

The blue pinwheel is a national symbol for child abuse prevention.  Pinwheels reflect the bright future that all children deserve.  Every day as health care providers, we take steps to protect our patients from future harm, which is why April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM) is so critical to the work that we do.

In fiscal year 2022-2023, San Diego County received over 39,000 child abuse/neglect reports.  That represented 68,535 local children.

The Children’s Bureau, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, funds the National Child Abuse Prevention Month initiative each year through the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Click to learn more about the scope of the problem nationally and find helpful resources.

Chadwick Center’s Medical Director and Child Abuse Pediatrician, Dr. Shalon Nienow, created some helpful tips for caregivers and providers:

• Opinion: I’m a child abuse pediatrician.  Here are four things we can all do to protect children
• 7 Steps to Teaching Children Body Autonomy

Also check out our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages for more information.

For more information or to report suspected child abuse, please call 858-560-2191. Within the state of California, you may call toll free at 1-800-344-6000. The Child Abuse Hotline is available 24/7.