April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when child advocates across the nation focus on ways to prevent abuse and neglect, recognizing the importance of strong families and communities working together to keep children safe.

Everyone can have a role helping keep children safe. The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is asking families, friends, neighbors, and professionals to be a hero to a child. There are many ways you can be a #CuyahogaHero; by simply helping a struggling parent or family so they can parent safely, reporting suspected cases of abuse or neglect, and donating or volunteering with a local organization that helps children and families. If you are game for an even bigger commitment, you can join the team and work for DCFS or become a foster parent.

Throughout the month of April, DCFS will provide multiple virtual opportunities to learn more about all the ways you can be a #CuyahogaHero, including:

- Mandated Reporter Training

- A Conversation on Foster Care and Adoption

- What it takes to be a Child Protection Specialist, and

- How to help children and families involved in the child welfare system.

       

For more information on Child Abuse Prevention Month activities visit the DCFS website. Details will be added as we get closer to April.

The website also has helpful information on neighborhood collaboratives, a community resource guide, support services available to families, mandated reporting guidelines, how to make a report to the 24-hour hotline, and how to become a foster or adoptive parent.