Kern County Unites for Child Abuse Prevention Month

This April, Kern County joins communities nationwide in observing Child Abuse Prevention Month, bringing families and organizations together to promote safe, supportive environments for children. Throughout the month, the Kern County Network for Children (KCNC) and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office (KCSOS) will partner with local organizations to raise awareness and promote prevention through a series of events, trainings, and resources. The countywide effort follows an official proclamation made March 24, when the Kern County Board of Supervisors recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The campaign highlights the collective work of organizations across Kern County while emphasizing the vital role the community plays in prevention. When families are supported and connected to resources, children are more likely to feel safe and thrive both at home and in the classroom.

Students across Kern County also contributed to the effort through the 6th annual Child Abuse Prevention Month Kids Art Contest, themed “My Big Dream.” Artwork is currently on display at the Dream Center and will be featured during the 2026 Strong Families, Safer Futures Resource Event on April 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Bakersfield Marriott and Convention Center.

Yadira Vargas, Child and Family Services Facilitator for KCNC, said the event helps families access resources that support child safety, well-being, and abuse prevention.

“Every child deserves to grow in a safe and healthy environment, and there are programs out there that can support that,” she said.

Vargas added that the event will feature a range of services and resources, from student artwork and community programs to practical supports like child safety kits and car seat checks.

In partnership with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, the event will offer child safety kits to help families document important identifying information in case of emergencies. Certified technicians will also provide car seat safety checks to ensure children are properly secured while traveling, an important step in preventing injury and saving lives.

In addition to community resources, educators play a vital role in child abuse prevention, often serving as the first line of awareness when something may be wrong.

As part of this effort, KCNC, in partnership with KCSOS and local organizations, will host trainings throughout April covering topics such as the Cost of Poverty Experience, domestic violence, mandated reporting, child abuse prevention, Abusive Head Trauma (AHT)/Shaken Baby Syndrome, and positive childhood experiences. Select trainings will also be offered in Spanish to expand access.

“As a mandated reporter, you’re spending time with a child and only need to suspect abuse to make a report,” Vargas said. “Educators may be the only consistent adult in a child’s life, so it’s important to observe their well-being and create an environment where children feel safe and understand the importance of speaking up if something isn’t right.”

Community members are also encouraged to show their support throughout the month by wearing blue and displaying pinwheels, the national symbols of child abuse prevention.

Kern County will observe Wear Blue Day on April 10, encouraging residents to raise awareness and show their support for child safety.

While April brings special attention to the issue, Vargas emphasized that prevention is a year-round responsibility.

Community members can help reduce the risk of child abuse by practicing the five protective factors: parental resilience, social connections, support in times of need, knowledge of parenting and child development, and children’s social-emotional competence.

“We want to remind people that they’re not alone,” Vargas said. “There are resources, programs, and a community ready to support families through challenges.”

A full list of this month’s events and the Five Protective Factors can be found HERE.

Anyone who suspects child abuse is urged to report it. Reports can be made 24 hours a day by calling the Kern County Child Abuse Hotline at (661) 631-6011 or (760) 375-6049 in Ridgecrest.