April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Weld County

Published on April 06, 2023

The Weld County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month during their meeting on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The proclamation reaffirms Weld County's dedication to preventing child abuse and improving the quality of life for all children and families in Weld County.

This month and throughout the year, Weld County Government encourages all individuals and organizations to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect by promising safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for Weld County children and families. By ensuring parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources to care for their children, we can help promote children and youth's social and emotional well-being and prevent child abuse within families and communities.

"Collaboration and partnerships are integral in keeping children safe. To build a thriving community, it is necessary to provide children with a safe and nurturing environment to grow. In Weld County, we are grateful to have committed partners who allow us to enhance services and programs and work together to create strong and thriving families," said Jamie Ulrich, Weld County Department of Human Services (DHS) Director.

Along with kudos to community partners, the commissioners also expressed their gratitude to the staff in attendance representing the various divisions within DHS that assist in child abuse prevention. When children and families need assistance, Weld County DHS is there to provide a level of support to prevent family breakdown and ensure the safety of children. Services and resources are offered to strengthen families. 

"I realize we recognize this once a year, but it truly is what you guys do each day. You must be extremely dedicated to our families, and it takes a special person to do the work you guys do, and I want to say thank you. It's not only benefiting our children but also our families and community as a whole," said Mike Freeman, Chair of the Board of Weld County Commissioners.

DHS will host its annual sidewalk chalk art event, which celebrates families while providing resources and education on child abuse prevention, from 5-7 p.m. at the county's southwest building 4209 WCR 24.5 (Longmont/Firestone) on April 26, 2023, and in Greeley on April 27, 2023, at 822 7th St. (by Chase Bank).

For more information about the Weld County Department of Human Services and the prevention division, please visit https://www.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Family-Resource.