Protecting Children, Raising Awareness Across Ohio During Child Abuse Prevention Month 2026

April is an important month for the Ohio CASA Network. It’s Child Abuse Prevention month — a time to raise awareness and highlight the ongoing efforts to protect children from abuse and neglect.

For Ohio CASA and local programs, this month also aligns with Volunteer Appreciation Month, which serves as an opportunity to celebrate those who stand up for children every day.

Child Abuse Prevention Month raises awareness about the signs of abuse and the importance of child safety. It also highlights the importance of families and communities working together to fight child abuse. 

For some children involved in the child welfare system, having a CASA volunteer can help ensure their safety. CASA volunteers play a critical role in the lives of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. They are often the only consistent adult in a child’s life, giving them a voice in court.

For Child Abuse Prevention Month, many CASA programs statewide will wear blue, some will place blue pinwheels in prominent areas, and some will host events or share information about preventing child abuse.

One of the key tennents of CASA volunteer work is ongoing education like this.

After the initial comprehensive training, CASA volunteers must complete at least 12 hours of in-service continuing education annually. This standard helps volunteers remain updated on current child welfare trends and helps maintain high-quality advocacy for children.

On top of offering free online training courses, Ohio CASA recently launched a first-of-its-kind effort, hosting multiple in-service training sessions online. You can read more about upcoming sessions and register for them here.

Ohio CASA’s goal is to serve every child in need of a CASA volunteer in all Ohio counties. In 2025, CASA volunteers in 61 counties advocated for 9,177 children. With enough volunteers, current programs could reach about 85% of children in need.

Here’s a look at some of the ways you can get involved during Child Abuse Prevention Month and year-round:

•Step up for a child who is experiencing abuse and neglect by becoming a CASA volunteer. CASA volunteers speak up in court for children and are often the one constant in a child’s life. Start your journey here .

•Wear blue during Child Abuse Prevention Month and contact your local CASA program about any awareness campaigns or community events.

•Support Ohio CASA and local CASA programs with your generosity to help local CASA programs provide critical advocacy and resources to children in need.

•Spread the word about CASA volunteers and Child Abuse Prevention. You can help our advocacy reach more communities by telling people about our mission and sharing posts on Facebook.