County officials have established a new toll-free universal phone number to report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect while also proclaiming April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, according to the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency’s Department of Family and Children’s Services.
The new toll-free number will reach the Child Abuse and Neglect Center (CANC) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The new number is (833) SCC-KIDS (833-722-5437).
“We encourage everyone to call the toll-free number if they suspect child abuse is happening near them, and to participate in prevention and awareness activities to show their commitment to help prevent this horrendous crime,” said County Board of Supervisors President Jose Simitian.
On April 6, the DFCS will join County Supervisors, the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Santa Clara County and Social Service Agencies across the nation to acknowledge the important role communities play in helping protect children. The county will raise a memorial flag April 3 at the James P. McEntee Sr. Plaza and at 70 West Hedding Street throughout the month “to remember children lost nationwide to violence.”
“Adults are guardians for our children. When that trusting relationship is violated through abuse, we cannot be silent,” said Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who chairs the Board’s Children, Families and Seniors Committee.
Activities planned for Child Abuse Prevention Month include:
• Friday April 6: Wear Blue Day. Since 1989, a Virginia grandmother has tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car to remember her grandson, who was killed by her daughter’s abusive boyfriend. Everyone is encouraged to wear a blue ribbon to stand against child abuse and raise awareness among friends and co-workers. People are encouraged to wear a blue ribbon all month long as a symbolic reminder to end child abuse.
• April 27: 36th Annual Child Abuse Prevention Council Symposium, where hundreds of professionals and community advocates that work to protect children will gather for a day of learning at Villa Ragusa, in downtown Campbell. Learn more at cacscc.org.
• Approximately 3.5 million reports of child abuse are made in the U.S. each year, involving 6 million children.
• There are 58,000 reports of child abuse made in the Bay Area every year.
• Every day 5 children die in the U.S. due to child abuse.
• Learn more about the impact of child abuse in Santa Clara County at sccgov.org/sites/cac/Documents/EconomicsOfAbuse_SantaClara%20(1).pdf
