Pittsboro, NC – Chatham County joins the Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina in recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month 2026. Throughout April, organizations and community members across North Carolina—including nonprofits, government agencies, educators, policymakers, health care providers, faith groups, and businesses—are coming together to highlight the important role everyone plays in supporting families from the start.
This year’s theme, “Positive Childhoods Start With Us,” emphasizes that children thrive when families have the resources they need.
Child abuse prevention begins with community awareness and engagement. Residents are encouraged to get involved in the following ways:
- Child Abuse Prevention Month through April 2026—across NC
- National Wear Blue Day, April 10—across NC to show support for strengthening families. Share your support on social media using the hashtags #WearBlueDay2026 and tag Chatham County channels
- Chatham County Partnership for Children’s Annual State of the Child event, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center in Pittsboro, register by April 4. More information at: chathamkids.org/
- Explore the Protective Factors framework and how individuals can positively impact children and families: ctfalliance.org/protective-factors
- Learn more and get involved by visiting chathamcountync.gov/socialservices or positivechildhoodalliancenc.org/
Last year, the Chatham County Department of Social Services accepted 296 reports of child abuse or neglect. Many of these families faced challenges such as substance use disorders, mental illness, and family violence. In addition to federal supports like SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid, strong local partnerships are essential to ensuring children are protected and supported. Programs such as school meal services and access to child safety resources—including gun locks, medication lock boxes, and car seat inspections and installations—play a vital role in helping children grow up safe and healthy.
“We know that children thrive when their families have what they need to care for them. That is why programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and childcare subsidies are so critical in Chatham County,” said Jennie Kristiansen, Director of the Chatham County Department of Social Services. “By working together, the community can help create safe, stable, and nurturing environments where all children and families can thrive.”