It’s unfortunate that it’s necessary to have a Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day, marked in Michigan with a rally Tuesday morning at the state Capitol in Lansing.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with Children Trust Michigan, the day “recognizes the important role child abuse prevention plays in keeping kids safe and helping parents, families and caretakers access the tools they need to raise children in supportive home environments.”

Being aware is great but must be accompanied by action to be truly effective.

“Children deserve to grow up in safe, loving and nurturing homes. Every day, our caseworkers help families navigate crises by connecting them to prevention resources and support to help families stay together safely because research shows that kids do best when they are with their families,” MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel said in a news release. “MDHHS is committed to our shared responsibility with the legislature, law enforcement, judges and partners to continue to enhance Michigan’s child welfare system to meet the needs of kids and families.”

The 17th-annual Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Day rally is known for its blue and silver pinwheel garden.

“The blue and silver pinwheels displayed in April, and throughout the year, symbolize the health and happiness all children deserve,” said Suzanne Greenberg, executive director of Children Trust Michigan. “We ask that all Michiganders join us to help raise awareness this month about the long-term impact child abuse and neglect has and help to strengthen families and to create brighter futures for all Michigan’s children.”

In addition to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s fiscal year 2026 budget — which includes investments focused on meaningful, timely and effective services and supports to help kids safe — the governor has proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan.

Ongoing efforts to improve the safety and well-being of Michigan children, according to the MDHHS, include:

Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda

The Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda outlines proactive steps to enhance the safety and well-being of children across the state. This agenda focuses on key areas such as prevention, intervention, stability, wellness and workforce to ensure the state is providing the best possible support for children and families.

Family Resource Centers

Family resource centers, a key part of the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, are community-based resource hubs where people and families can access formal and informal supports to promote their health and well-being. While family resource centers have many things in common, they are designed to reflect and be responsive to community needs and interests. They build parenting skills, connect families to resources and develop parent and community leadership.

Family Impact Teams

Launched in August 2023 as part of the Keep Kids Safe Action Agenda, FIT is an innovative program that keeps children at risk of neglect safely in their homes by delivering services and assistance to families such as food and housing assistance, Medicaid programs and gas cards. Through FIT, MDHHS family resource specialists engage with families face-to-face, determine their eligibility for assistance programs offered by MDHHS, and refer them to other local agencies that can provide them with resources to meet the families’ needs.

Children Services Administration teaming and support model

With the new CSA teaming model, announced in March, employees will have clear and distinct roles and guidance on collaboration expectations to provide support for families from the moment they enter the child welfare system. The team, including caseworkers, supervisors, family resource specialists and other support roles will work cohesively to address families’ specific needs, whether it’s economic, educational or administrative. This will empower the CSA workforce by providing additional supports to handle complex situations, both improving the employee experience and reducing turnover while maintaining continuity for families.