Child abuse and neglect are pervasive – yet preventable – issues affecting communities across Wisconsin. To raise awareness and acknowledge the collective efforts of families, caregivers, communities, and agencies preventing child maltreatment, Governor Tony Evers has proclaimed April as Family Strengthening Month.
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment,” said Department of Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Emilie Amundson. “To achieve this, we need to ensure that every family has the necessary supports needed to thrive. That is why DCF and its state, county, tribal, and community partners have been working to transform our child welfare system into one that uplifts and empowers families.”
Over the last decade, bi-partisan support for child welfare reform has increased as research continues to show that children and families who are supported together have stronger outcomes. This support led to the passing of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) in 2018, which shifts the way federal government allocates funds to the child welfare system – putting more emphasis on building preventive programs and services that keep children and families connected and in home-like settings whenever possible. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FAMILY RESCOUCES.
