ICYMI: The Florida Department of Children and Families Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Last week, the Florida Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary Taylor N. Hatch joined partners across Florida's system of care to highlight the importance of partnership in driving awareness and action as we recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Joining families and communities across the state, partners came together at the historic Capitol to plant blue pinwheels, symbolizing the safe, stable, and nurturing childhood every child deserves. This display serves as a reminder that protecting children and supporting families through prevention doesn't happen in isolation. By maximizing opportunities to serve at the earliest moment possible, Florida is strengthening connections between families and support systems, including local community-based organizations, not for profits, faith-based organizations, and private sector businesses.

Through Governor DeSantis' leadership and the strong collaboration across Florida's system of care, the state has seen meaningful progress in strengthening families and supporting children, evidenced by a 47 percent reduction in the number of children entering out-of-home care since 2019, an outcome that outpaces the national trend.

"Preventing abuse must begin long before a crisis occurs and requires an intentional focus on going further upstream to support families," said DCF Secretary Taylor N. Hatch. "Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, we know that successful prevention does not work in silos. Through initiatives and targeted supports like Hope Florida and the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative, families are connected to real-time support from state, local and community partners - whether that is a meal, a job opportunity or mentorship. These partnerships allow us to identify needs early, stabilize families, and reduce deeper involvement in our system of care."

"Each April, we take time to celebrate community collaboration and individual action to prevent abuse before it ever happens," said Jennifer Ohlsen, President & CEO of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida. "The Ounce is proud to work closely with Secretary Hatch, the Department, and our many partners to raise awareness about child and family well-being and empower everyone to play a role in prevention."

"Child abuse prevention begins long before a child enters any system - it begins with strong communities, and strong support systems," said Shevaun H. Harris, Secretary for the Agency for Health Care Administration. "Our Agency is proud to partner with organizations who offer an array of programs and services that help parents overcome crisis situations or challenges. We are committed to doing all we can to create the conditions where every child in Florida can grow up safe, healthy, and supported."

"Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable in our communities, and protecting them must remain a top priority," said Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Robert "Bob" Asztalos. "Through strong collaboration with our partners and a focus on prevention, we can create safer environments where every child is valued, protected, and empowered to reach their full potential."

"Child Abuse Prevention Month reminds us of our shared responsibility to safeguard Florida's children", said Assistant Deputy Secretary of Health Melissa Jordan. "We each play a part in creating safe and nurturing environments where they can grow and thrive. This month challenges us to strengthen our focus on prevention and early support for families."

"Standing alongside fellow community leaders who are united in prioritizing our children was both humbling and deeply encouraging," said Family Partnerships of Central Florida President and CEO Phil Scarpelli. "Florida continues to lead the nation in child abuse prevention because our systems work together, leaders are willing to listen, to understand the connection between each part and the whole, and to leverage best practices, lived experience, and unwavering commitment."

"Preventing abuse isn't just about systems or supervision-it's about who we are when no one is watching," said Pastor David Emmert of Celebration Baptist Church. "The central responsibility of the church is to call people to live with great integrity and to take responsibility for the vulnerable who are placed in their care and to demonstrate

self-control and compassion."

"I believe this work is a calling to do more to protect our children and strengthen our families," said Jack Brewer, Founder of The Jack Brewer Foundation. "We cannot ignore that many of the children at greatest risk are growing up without fathers. In partnership with the Department of Children and Families, we have helped thousands of criminal justice impacted families, including helping fathers begin the work of reconnecting with their children and breaking cycles that too often lead to abuse and incarceration."

Floridians in need of assistance are encouraged to call 833-GET-HOPE to be connected with supports to meet their specific needs and goals.

The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. You can call the hotline at 1-800-962-2873 or report abuse online here.

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