This April, in observance of Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, Healthy Kids, who leads the local Maine Prevention Council for Lincoln and Knox Counties, is joining a national movement to shift the conversation from crisis intervention to proactive community support.

Under the 2026 theme, “By Supporting Maine Families, We Keep Children Safe,” local businesses, family support providers, educators, and community leaders are being called to keep a promise. A promise to children and families to support them long before a crisis occurs.

“Prevention isn’t just about stopping something bad from happening; it’s about building a nurturing, supportive environment for good to happen," said Char Corbett, Healthy Kids’ executive director, in a news release. "It begins when we support families to define the support they need and ensure our local communities are aligned to meet those needs.” 

This year’s campaign marks a deliberate narrative shift for Healthy Kids, as it expands its programs and culture to emphasize the importance of collective community support.

"Together, we are urging local providers to center their 2026 efforts on three areas:"

 Community-Defined Solutions: Shifting from systems that dictate terms to listening to families as the experts of their own lives.

 Strengths-Based Care: Focusing on protective factors that provide stable, nurturing relationships that promote child and family well-being.

 Cross-Sector Collaboration: Recognizing that prevention happens in partnership, communities work together to find solutions and supports for families such as economic stability, safe housing, and quality childcare.

According to Prevent Child Abuse America, research indicates that nearly 1 in 7 children in the U.S. experiences abuse or neglect each year.

"However, free support services from the Maine Prevention Councils demonstrate that partnering with parents significantly reduces family stress and prevents harm before it occurs," said Healthy Kids. "One hundred and seventy-four children in Lincoln and Knox counties were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2024, the most recent data collected. These are just the cases that have been reported and confirmed."

“Families do not exist in isolation,” said Char Corbett. When we invest in prevention as shared infrastructure—just like roads or schools—we make the possibility of a healthy childhood a reality for every child in our community.”

How to Get Involved

Throughout April, residents have several opportunities to help strengthen our community:

 #WearBlueDays: Show support by wearing blue on Friday, April 10 and Sunday, April 26. Post a photo and include the hashtag #WearBlueDay2026.

 Spread Awareness: Follow Healthy Kids on social media and share Healthy Kids posts throughout April. Encourage friends and family to do the same. Use the hashtags #ChildAbusePreventionMonth and #CAPMonth to signify your commitment.

 Display a Pinwheel: The pinwheel is a national symbol for great childhoods. It serves as a visual reminder that supportive communities and strong families help prevent child abuse and neglect.

 Become a Volunteer: Healthy Kid Ambassadors, office and event volunteers, Board membership and participating in the Parent Advisory Committee are great ways to show your support.

 Make a donation: visit the Healthy Kids website for more information about how you can support programs and services through a time or monthly donation or contact Char Corbett about long term planning support.

 Purchase Prevention Council Wicked Whoopie Pies: local businesses are supporting Healthy Kids through the sale of whoopie pies with the special Prevention Council sticker. All proceeds benefit Healthy Kids. Visit Hilltop Stop, Damariscotta; Main Street Grocery, Damariscotta; CE Reilly & Sons, New Harbor; and Flipside Coffee, Thomaston to get your whoopie pies.

For more information on local prevention programs or to learn how your organization can partner with Healthy Kids, please visit www.healthykidsmaine.org

Maine Children's Trust works to strengthen families, promote healthy relationships, and support communities to prevent child abuse and neglect. Maine Children’s Trust is the state chapter for Prevent Child Abuse Maine. For more information, please visit www.mechildrenstrust.org.