Franklin County Children Services Invites Community to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month in April

Hope is not just a feeling. It is a measurable force for changing the trajectory of a child’s life. 

As we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, Franklin County Children Services invites the Central Ohio community to join us in raising awareness about the continued dangers of child abuse and neglect here in Central Ohio and in celebrating how proactive community supports can strengthen families before crisis occurs, united under the theme of “Powered by Hope. Strengthened by Prevention.”

The scale of the challenge we face remains significant. In 2025, the majority of the referrals and calls to the Franklin County Child Abuse Hotline - representing roughly 6 out of every 10 children who came in contact with our agency - raised fears about a child or teen being physically abused. More than half were concerns about some form of neglect or emotional maltreatment. And 1 child out of every 6 was an alleged victim of sexual abuse.

In all, these fears and concerns about abuse or neglect affected the lives of nearly 23,000 children here in our community last year. When we look at the data even deeper, we see that most of those boys, girls, and teens - about 3 out of every 5 - were Black, Brown, or Multiracial youth. And the largest percentage of that were Black girls.

Being "Powered by Hope" means more than just optimism. In our line of work, we often meet families and children at their lowest points. In those moments, our belief in what is possible - rather than just what is present - becomes the light that helps families find their way. Every time our community advocates for a child’s safety, supports a foster parent or kinship caregiver, or helps a family heal, we are plugging into that power of hope.

We are "Strengthened by Prevention" when we provide families with the resources they need: access to basic needs like stable housing, food security, and mental health support; parent education, high-quality childcare, and social connections that help develop healthy protective factors; and a recognition that child safety is a collective responsibility that turns our entire community into a shield for its children.

Our community is a vital component in this engine of hope. During the month of April, FCCS and many of our partners will participate in several community engagement activities, including:

  • Starting on the evening of April 5, the FCCS offices at 855 West Mound Street - along with Columbus City Hall, Broad Street Bridge, and Franklin County Government Center - will “glow blue” for much of the week, with blue lights at the buildings serving as a visible beacon of hope and reminder of our collective responsibility.
  • On Monday, April 6, blue pinwheels will be planted outside the FCCS buildings at 855 West Mound, 4071 East Main, and 1919 Frank Road. The “Prevention Pinwheels” represent a symbol of hope and possibility, with children at the center of all we do to support families with what they truly need to thrive.
  • In partnership with the Center for Family Healing, several local city councils and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners have been invited to host speakers and issue an official proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
  • FCCS will host the 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast, Wednesday, April 8, at 7:30am at the Boathouse (679 West Spring Street). The breakfast recognizes young people and families in our care who have overcome great challenges and honors FCCS caseworkers who demonstrate the highest levels of commitment to our mission. Our featured speakers this year are representatives of the Safelite Foundation and the national Foster Love advocacy organization out of California.
  • April 8 is also “Ohio Wears Blue Day” in honor of child abuse prevention and family strengthening. All Ohioans are encouraged to wear blue on that day and share pictures on social media with the hashtag #OhioWearsBlue.
  • Our partners at the Center for Family Healing will create a visual display of blue prevention pinwheels on the lawn of Columbus City Hall on Saturday, April 11, from 10:00am - Noon.
  • Faith communities across Franklin County have been invited to honor “Blue Sunday” on April 26 by dedicating a moment of prayer and reflection for the victims of child abuse and call upon their congregations to help strengthen and support all families.

Hope is what powers us. Prevention is our strategy. And together, we can continue working to provide a future where children in Franklin County are safer, nurtured, and more empowered than ever before.

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