April 01, 2026
WHEREAS, Michigan is committed to ensuring all children grow up safe, healthy, educated and prepared to reach their full potential; and,
WHEREAS, children raised in safe, stable and nurturing environments with supported caregivers are more likely to enjoy good physical and mental health, succeed academically and socially, and achieve economic prosperity; and,
WHEREAS, by educating adults on how to use positive coping skills, seek support and be flexible, they are enabled to be stronger, more resilient individuals and capable of creating more stable environments and brighter futures for children; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan’s statewide network of Family Resource Centers are community-based and parent-driven – a model proven to reduce child abuse and neglect across the nation; and,
WHEREAS, consistent, early and effective prevention strategies such as the Strengthening Families framework and the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) framework have proven to save lives and build strong, resilient families by ending cycles of abuse and neglect; and,
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect prevention is a community responsibility, and, on behalf of Michigan's children, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as well as Children Trust Michigan (CTM) and their prevention partner network serving all 83 counties; and,
WHEREAS, under the leadership of CTM, we come together against child abuse and neglect by supporting prevention programs, so every child feels safe and nurtured, and by making sure each family has the support and education they need; and,
WHEREAS, blue and silver pinwheels displayed during April and throughout the year, symbolize the health and happiness all children deserve;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Michigan.
