Letter to the Editor: Celebrating families and power of prevention

By Sue Loken, Learning Connection Program Coordinator and Floyd & Mitchell Counties Child Abuse Prevention Council Secretary

Every child deserves a bright future, and every family deserves the support they need to thrive. This April, during National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, we invite the people of Floyd and Mitchell counties to join us in celebrating the power of hope and the strength of prevention. This year’s theme, “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention,” reminds us that stronger families create healthier communities – and prevention is key to making that vision a reality.

According to Iowa Health and Human Services, 24% of child abuse assessments resulted in a finding of “founded” abuse. Founded child abuse assessments involved 8,632 unique children in 2023. These numbers highlight the challenges many families face, but they also reinforce the critical role of prevention – ensuring that families have access to support resources, and community connections before challenges become crises.

At Prevent Child Abuse America and Floyd & Mitchell Counties Child Abuse Prevention Council, we are committed to building a future where every child is safe, supported and surrounded by love. But prevention is a shared responsibility – one that requires each of us to take action.

There are many ways to be part of the solution:

• Volunteer with local youth programs or family support initiatives.

• Support organizations like Prevent Child Abuse Iowa that strengthen families.

• Advocate for policies that invest in children’s well-being, like affordable child care and family leave.

• Lend a hand to a neighbor or offer encouragement to a parent. Small acts of kindness make a big difference.

If you are interested in being a part of the solution at the local level, join the FMCCAP Council, which meets on the third Wednesday each month at 10 a.m. at the Floyd County HHS Office.

Please consider making a charitable donation to the council to assist in prevention efforts in your community. Donations can be mailed to: FMCCAPC, P.O. Box 661, Charles City, IA 50616.

When we invest in children and families, we invest in the future of Iowa. By working together – powered by hope and strengthened by prevention – we can create a world where every child grows up safe, nurtured and full of possibility.