DHS Plants Pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month

Published on April 01, 2024

In an effort to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, Denver Human Services (DHS) is pleased to announce the kickoff of its annual pinwheel planting campaign. The department will be joining state and community partners to plant pinwheels throughout the city as a visual representation of the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect.

“Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in ensuring the well-being of our children, youth and families,” said DHS Executive Director Anne-Marie Braga. “While this campaign marks the official start of the month-long observance, our dedicated staff are committed to this work every day of the year.”

The pinwheels, which symbolize hope and childlike lightheartedness, will be planted at the Richard T. Castro Human Services Center (1200 S. Federal Blvd.) Tuesday, April 2 at 10 a.m., serving as a visual reminder of the ongoing commitment to preventing child abuse. By raising awareness and engaging the community, DHS hopes to inspire action and encourage individuals to become advocates for children, youth and their families.

DHS provides key prevention programs all year long. These programs include essential services such as child care, food access, housing, parenting support, professional therapy and public benefits. DHS also offers several other free prevention programs that are available to Denver families:

• The GIVE Center provides basic needs items and connections to resources for Denver residents, including families, kinship providers, foster youth, and people experiencing homelessness.
• The Parenthood/Fatherhood Program empowers people to grow as parents, as DHS supports them to be the role models they want to be to their children through free information, classes and support groups.
• The Denver Parent Advocates Lending Support (DPALS) program works within the community to support families through Protective Factors and prevention training.
• General Assistance provides Emergency Housing Assistance, Family Reunification, Prescription Assistance, Storage Assistance and more.
• And the Youth Empowerment Program provides support with academics, jobs, arts and sports, and self-esteem in preparation for higher education and the workforce.

DHS invites the community to help raise awareness through the following ways in April and beyond:

• Wear blue every Friday in April, so you can show support for promoting positive childhood experiences and preventing adversity.
• Visit the City and County of Denver building from April 28-30, which will be lit blue. Post a photo on social media and use the hashtag #PreventionInPartnership and #HumanTogether to show your support and see how others are strengthening families in our community.  
• Purchase and plant pinwheels that represent the bright childhoods we all want for children.
• Participate in Prevent Child Abuse America’s nationwide Digital Advocacy Day on April 16. Contact your member of Congress to advocate for increased investments for Title II, Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention grants, and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to provide states and communities the resources to implement community-based solutions to the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

For more ways to get involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month, or to make a donation, please visit https://copinwheelsforprevention.org. You can also learn more about child abuse prevention and how you can make a difference in the life of a child or family by calling 1-800-Children (244-5373). If you or someone you know suspects a child is being abused or neglected, call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844‑264‑5437).