Celebrating Families and the Power of Prevention
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) is encouraging residents to take part in building a safer, stronger community for children and families.
Throughout the month, MCDHS is highlighting the importance of prevention and the power of community support. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and every parent faces different challenges. That’s why it’s essential that we work together to ensure families in Mesa County have the tools, resources, and connections they need to thrive.
Pinwheels are being planted around Mesa County this month as a symbol of this effort. These bright blue pinwheels represent the joy and innocence of childhood — and serve as a visual reminder that every child and youth deserves to grow up free from abuse and neglect.
MCDHS provides a wide range of services to help strengthen families and children, including determining eligibility for supplemental food assistance and Medicaid, employment services and training, and, when criteria are met, child protective services.
If involved, Child Protection Services first strives to keep families together when possible. We look at ways to help families establish and maintain safety through case management, kinship care, therapeutic services, and other support and services to the family and children.
However, prevention begins before a crisis, and anyone can be part of the solution:
- Offer support to a parent or caregiver in your neighborhood
- Learn the signs of abuse and neglect
- Volunteer or donate to local family-focused programs
- Advocate for policies that promote strong, healthy families
- Most importantly, speak up if something doesn’t seem right.
To report a suspected case of child abuse or neglect, please call the hotline at 970-242-1211. To learn more about Mesa County Child Welfare resources and information, please visit www.MesaCounty.u
