National Child Abuse Prevention Month

In April, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) joins communities nationwide in observing National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we stand together to prevent abuse and neglect, support brave survivors, and build strong communities and families where every child can grow up happy and safe."

—President Joseph Biden

OJJDP continues to provide significant support for the investigation and intervention of child abuse through training and enhancing services for child victims. In his proclamation, President Biden said the Department of Justice is investing in Children's Advocacy Centers across the country to help law enforcement investigate and prosecute child sexual abuse and exploitation, including acts committed online. 

In fiscal year (FY) 2023, OJJDP awarded the following: 

• $41 million in projects and training for responding to child abuse. OJJDP's Victims of Child Abuse (VOCA) Act program works to improve the lives of those affected by child abuse by maximizing the impact of victim services and ensuring professionals have access to effective and innovative training. 
• More than $28.6 million to the Children's Advocacy Centers National Subgrants Program to support local Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs) and state chapters. CACs coordinate the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child abuse cases using multidisciplinary, trauma-informed teams of professionals from child protective and victim advocacy services, law enforcement and prosecution, and the medical and mental health fields. 
• More than $7.7 million under the Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence program to enhance support services for children exposed to violence. 

Training and Technical Assistance 

• OJJDP Training and Technical Assistance
• Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance: Building Resiliency in Child Abuse Organizations
• Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance: Child Abuse and Neglect Training Unit

Publications

• Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Children Exposed to Violence
• Youth and the Juvenile Justice System: 2022 National Report
• In Focus Fact Sheet: Children's Advocacy Centers
• In Focus Fact Sheet: Support for Prosecutors Who Work With Youth

Programs and Resources

• Children's Advocacy Centers 
• Children Exposed to Violence
• Native Child Advocacy Resource Center
• National Children's Advocacy Center
• Responding to Child Abuse