March 11, 2026
By Elizabeth Fowler, Communications & Marketing Associate
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope.” – Lady Bird Johnson
As the first blooms of spring begin to appear in communities 
across North Carolina, we’re feeling hopeful for the future of children and families. April is right around the corner, a time when Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina (PCANC) and Positive Childhood Allies across the state join Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA) in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month to plant the seeds for thriving families and flourishing communities through awareness and action.
North Carolina’s 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Month theme, “Positive Childhoods Start With Us,” is a reminder that we all have a role to play in building strong communities. It takes all of us — from communityleaders and child advocates to medical professionals and business leaders — working in partnership to support families from the start, advocate for children and families, and build hope for Positive Childhood Experiences.
Throughout April and beyond, we all have the opportunity to create communities where families are connected and supported so that our children can live purposeful lives, filled with positive experiences and hope for the future.
How to get involved:
- Attend our family-friendly Child Abuse Prevention Month Kickoff Event in Raleigh on Wednesday, April 1. The event, co-hosted by PCANC and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), will be held at Chavis Park (505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd) from 11am-1pm. Food and beverages will be provided (while supplies last), along with local community resources and children’s activities.
- Raise awareness with our Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit, available in both English and Spanish. Download the toolkit today to share the message with your network.
- Participate in National Wear Blue Day on Friday, April 10. Share photos on social media with hashtags #WearBlueDay2026 and #PCANC.
Host or attend a community Child Abuse Prevention Month event near you — Positive Childhood Alliance members in communities across North Carolina are gearing up for events like family-fun days, pinwheel plantings, and walks to raise awareness of the importance of supporting families from the start. Learn about the pinwheel ordering process in our blog.
- Join the Week of Action, April 13-17, a time to turn awareness into action that strengthens families and communities. This week aligns with several important initiatives that support children and families, including Week of the Young Child, Black Maternal Health Week, Five Days of Action, and Healthy Kids Day.
- Become a Positive Childhood Ally — Join the growing statewide network of organizations, agencies, and individuals committed to creating positive childhoods for every child in North Carolina.
- Giving Day is April 28 — Make a gift of hope to Positive Childhood Alliance NC to support children and families across the state.
For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit our Child Abuse Prevention Month webpage.
