Child Abuse Prevention Month recognized in Weld County

Published on April 17, 2025

The Weld County Board of Commissioners recently proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The proclamation reaffirms Weld County’s commitment to working internally and collaboratively with community partners to ensure every child has a chance to grow up in a safe and stable environment.

Julie Witkowski, Family Resource Division Director for the Weld County Department of Human Services (DHS), highlighted Weld County’s dedication to empowering parents and caregivers, particularly through DHS’s Lighthouse Family Navigation and Support Team.

“Lighthouse team members provide comprehensive guidance, support and resources to ensure every family can navigate life’s challenges with confidence,” Witkowski said.

The mission of Lighthouse is to assist families in maintaining safety, permanency and well-being through empowerment and a strengths-based approach. This mission has been met successfully — in 2024, over 240 families in Weld County received ongoing support, case management and community resource connections.

More than a dozen DHS employees, from the family resource, child welfare and foster care teams, as well as members of the Weld County Faith Partnership Council were in attendance.

Lynette Peppler, the Commissioner Coordinator for DHS, praised the team for offering prevention support to Weld County for over 15 years, one of the first counties in the state to do so.

On a personal note, she shared her connection to several young adults that were displaced from their families due to unstable home environments.

“Children that have gone through these experiences carry an emotional and psychological burden. That is why raising awareness of these programs is invaluable,” Peppler said. “By educating and supporting families, we can prevent child abuse and neglect, ensuring healthy and intact environments for children.”

Learn more about Weld County’s child abuse prevention efforts.