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N.D. – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota and the North Dakota Department of Human Services are encouraging all North Dakotans to wear blue on Friday, April 7, as part of a statewide collaborative effort to raise awareness about child abuse prevention.

“Simple everyday actions can make the difference in the healthy development of our state’s children,” said Sandy Tibke, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota. “Wear Blue Day is an engaging way to get businesses, schools, organizations and other individuals to take action by making a visual commitment to the well-being of children and families.”

As part of the day, individuals wearing blue are encouraged to take group photos or selfies and to e-mail them toinfo@pcand.org for posting on Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota’s Facebook page and website atwww.pcand.org.

“Wear Blue Day kicks off a month-long statewide effort to raise awareness and encourage communities to support children and families,” said Chris Jones, executive director of the Department of Human Services. “This year’s theme is ‘Growing Great Kids, Building Strong Families.’ This can be done when community and faith-based organizations, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and other community partners all work together to promote supports and activities that value children and their families.”

The department’s Children and Family Services Division supports and funds numerous statewide child abuse and neglect prevention programs and activities in collaboration with Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, North Dakota State University Extension Service’s Parent Resource Centers, and other public and private partners.

For more information on child abuse prevention activities planned in April, or to learn about child abuse prevention programs offered by Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota, visit www.pcand.org.