OJJDP Observes Child Abuse Prevention Month

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention joins communities nationwide in observing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, our country stands as one to condemn and combat child abuse in all of its forms — including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as online sexual exploitation; we raise awareness about the risk factors that can lead to child abuse and neglect; and we highlight the importance of supporting families to prevent child maltreatment."

President Biden

The Office continues to provide significant support for the investigation and intervention of child abuse through training and enhancing services for child victims.

In fiscal year 2021, the Office awarded $43.18 million in projects and training for the Victims of Child Abuse Act program—including more than $21 million for OJJDP-supported Children's Advocacy Centers (CACs), and more than $3 million for the training of judicial and court personnel. Also in 2021, OJJDP awarded $7 million under the Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence to enhance support services for children exposed to violence. 

OJJDP and its partners continue to respond during the pandemic to the mental health needs of child victims. In 2021, CACs continued to adapt due to the COVID-19 pandemic so they could keep providing services to their communities. For example, last year, regional CACs collaborated to create and deliver a virtual training curriculum for victim advocates. 

OJJDP Publications and Web Resources

• Beyond Case Review: The Value of the Role of Team Facilitator in the Multidisciplinary Team/Children's Advocacy Center Model 
• Child Physical Abuse: A Guide to the CAC Response 
• Enhanced Resource Guidelines: Improving Court Practice in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases
• In Focus: Children's Advocacy Centers 
• In Focus: Child Protection: Dependency Courts
• In Focus: Children Protection Law Enforcement 
• In Focus: Support for Prosecutors Who Work With Youth
• Juvenile Violent Victimization, 1995-2018
• Model Programs Guide Literature Review: Intersection of Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Systems 
• Portable Guides to Investigating Child Abuse
• Request Training and Technical Assistance
• Responding to Child Abuse program page

Multimedia

• Talking to Child Victims for Prosecutors
• 2021 Child Abuse Prevention Month: Responding to Child Abuse
• Corroborating Evidence for Prosecutors, Law Enforcement, Forensic Interviewers and MDTs   

Additional Resources

• 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