April is Blue Ribbon Month

Every April, the Napa County Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) commemorates Child Abuse Prevention Month by bringing awareness to this important issue and raising funds to support families and keep children safe. Led by Cope Family Center and comprised of representatives from other nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community, law enforcement and government agencies, CAPC coordinates Napa County’s efforts to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect.

Each year, CAPC reports on the state of the health and wellbeing of Napa County’s children and families. In 2023, there were 109 confirmed victims of abuse or neglect, but since child abuse and neglect is greatly under reported, the true number is estimated to be closer to 400.

“Raising a family in our community is not easy,” said Jessica Silverman Cope’s Executive Director. “Many families struggle with low wages, high rents, lack of childcare, mental health issues, and more. With these challenges on top of the everyday demands of parenting, it can be hard for parents to be the parents they want to be. The stress can be overwhelming, and without support, it can impact the safety and wellbeing of their children.”

The good news is that we can all help keep children safe. “Preventing child abuse and neglect is a shared responsibility for all community members,” said Silverman. “Together we can build a supportive community, caring connections, and positive experiences for children and families.”

“We know that child maltreatment is preventable,” said Colleen Masi, Cope’s Program Director. “It is important to reduce risk factors such as poverty, domestic violence, racial inequity, and mental health issues that put children at increased risk of maltreatment. And we must also build protective factors to support struggling families through difficult times.”

Protective factors are attributes, behaviors, and conditions in individuals, families, and communities that promote the health and well-being of children and families. They include things like: building parental resilience; providing concrete support such as housing, food and medical care; fostering social connections; and cultivating knowledge of parenting and child development.

This April, and throughout the year, CAPC encourages everyone in the community to play a role in making Napa County a better place for families. There are many opportunities throughout Blue Ribbon Month to learn more about child abuse in our community, raise awareness about how it can be prevented, and find out how we can each take small actions that make a big difference.

• Over 90 local businesses are helping Paint the Town Blue to bring awareness and raise funds. Many are hosting dine and donates or other fundraising events throughout the month to support Cope’s child abuse prevention and family support services. Visit the Blue Ribbon Month website for participating businesses and a calendar of events.
• Pinwheel displays throughout the county honor the 109 confirmed victims of maltreatment last year and represent the joyful and carefree childhoods we wish for all children to have. Locations include:
  • Cope Family Center: 707 Randolph St, Napa
  • Inside Napa City Hall: 955 School St, Napa
  • County of Napa: Health & Human Services: 2751 Napa Valley Corporate Drive Building B, Napa
  • Napa County Library: 580 Coombs St, Napa
  • American Canyon Library: 300 Crawford Way, American Canyon
  • American Canyon Police and Fire: 911 Donaldson Way E, American Canyon
  • St. Helena Library: 1492 Library Ln, St. Helena
  • Yountville Community Center: 6516 Washington Street, Yountville
  • Calistoga Library: 1108 Myrtle St, Calistoga
  • Collaborative display at the Napa County District Attorney's Office at 1127 First Street, Napa
• The Napa County Board of Supervisors will present a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Napa County at their meeting on April 9. The community is invited to attend to express their support.
• Kids Day on April 13. This free, fun, family event provides parents with the opportunity to connect with valuable local resources while enjoying activities and entertainment with their children.
• Follow Cope Family Center on social media or join their email list for periodic updates and information about child abuse prevention and ways to get involved year-round.

For more information about Blue Ribbon Month activities, to learn more about child abuse prevention, or to make a donation, visit copefamilycenter.org/blueribbon.

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ABOUT COPE FAMILY CENTER

Cope Family Center is a Family Resource Center in downtown Napa that empowers parents, nurtures children and strengthens communities. They provide parents with the education, resources and support they need to raise children who thrive. Programs include parent education and support services such as home visiting and parenting classes as well as drop-in services such as crisis support, emergency assistance and resource referrals. They also work to build a stronger community for families through community building and civic engagement. For more information, visit www.copefamilycenter.org.

ABOUT NAPA COUNTYCHILD ABUSE PREVENTION COUNCIL

Led by Cope Family Center and comprised of representatives from other nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community, law enforcement and government agencies, CAPC advocates for public policy that impacts children’s safety and healthy development and also oversees awareness campaigns to engage the community in prevention efforts.