April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, when the Office of Children and Family Services highlights its prevention activities to help keep children and families safe.

This year’s theme is “Building Strong Families and Communities.” It reflects efforts during this month, and the agency’s goal year-round.

As in previous years, OCFS is partnering with local districts, private agencies and child advocates to promote child abuse prevention and to educate the public. OCFS is planning awareness events throughout April.

OCFS has designated Wednesday as Wear Blue Day. It encourages staff members to dress in blue to raise awareness of efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Various community partners in prevention are also promoting “Pinwheels for Prevention” throughout the state. Please consider planting a pinwheel garden in a public place in your community to make your efforts visible.

The OCFS home office will again partner with Dunkirk City Hall in planting a pinwheel garden in a city park. The pinwheels will remain there throughout the month of April. Pinwheels will be planted in the grass in front of city hall at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

OCFS is also highlighting prevention awareness activities throughout the state on its website. Go to ocfs.ny.gov. for more info on activities in your area.