City Council recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month

In Fiscal Year 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) received and conducted screening and reviews on more than 95,000 reports of allegations of child abuse or neglect.

According to federal data, Massachusetts typically has one of the highest child abuse and neglect rates in the country.

As efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 have been implemented in Massachusetts, opportunities for many mandated reporters, such as teachers, pediatricians, daycare workers, to see at-risk children has dramatically decreased.

The Council recognizes April 2020 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and acknowledges that the Body and the community must work together to increase awareness about child abuse and neglect, and to promote the well-beings of children and families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.