Family Strengthening Month
April is Family Strengthening Month
Family Strengthening Month, nationally recognized as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, is an opportunity raise awareness of ways families can build a safe and nurturing family environment. Every year in April, we recognize the importance of families and communities working together to support family well-being and prevent child maltreatment. Prevention services and supports are developed in partnership with many organizations including:
The Celebrate Children Foundation
WI Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin
Office of Children’s Mental Health
Supporting Families Together Association
Department of Children and Families
This April, we are sharing ideas to help children, parents, and communities build stronger relationships. We’re calling these ideas “Random Acts of Connection,” with the intent of making it ok and accessible to reach out spontaneously, and to draw a line between connection, kindness, and creating more robust bonds.
Families across the nation are experiencing the impacts of loneliness and social isolation, and may need a reminder that in-person, higher-quality relationships matter. Staying connected with family and friends help nurture and strengthen those bonds, model health relationship building for kids, and even boost health!
Random Acts of Connection Outreach Toolkit
This outreach toolkit provides a series of assets that can be used during Family Strengthening Month to help encourage families to do Random Acts of Connection. These materials are ready to use in social media and other communication efforts. From updating your social media profile images to sharing social posts to facilitating family activities, you can use the free resources from this toolkit to enhance your existing efforts and engage with your community.
Overview of Tools
Toolkit Overview
This document includes all the info you need for Family Strengthening Month – including timing, tools, and tips.
Social Media Cover Image
Refresh your social media cover image and use on your website, emails, newsletters, and more!
Social Media Post Series
Use these pre-made social media posts throughout April to share information and tips for Random Acts of Connection.
Social Media Frame
Update your personal and organization’s profile image.
Random Acts of Connection Game
Use this activity sheet to get families connecting with each other and others.
Download the Toolkit Now
Everyday Prevention and Strengthening Families Resources
This commitment to strengthen families doesn’t end in April. In partnership with other state and community-based agencies, The Celebrate Children Foundation and the Prevention Board are committed to developing messages around other events to strengthen families year-round.
Back to School Messaging
The beginning of the school year can be an emotional time for kids and caregivers. After all, it’s a transition— and even good changes can be stressful for families. That’s okay. There are many things you can do to help your family feel confident and secure as children head back to class. Keep your family strong with ideas from this One Sheeter.
Summer Fun Activities and Messaging
Summertime in Wisconsin can be full of family fun and adventure. Yet, filling the unstructured days of summer can also be stressful and overwhelming for both parents and kids. Here are some tools that can help families reduce the strain and increase the opportunities to create happy memories together.
Social Media and Youth Mental Health
In recent years there has been growing concern about the safety and effects of social media on the mental health of children and youth. Learn about the most recent studies and get tips on what parents and caregivers can do to safeguard the well-being of children and adolescents.
Please contact Lamia Kosovic, Communication Specialist, at lamia.kosovic@wisconsin.gov with any questions, to receive support or to request materials.