By Governor's Office
LINCOLN, Neb. – April 21, 2026, Governor Pillen signed a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. He was joined by representatives from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), United Way of the Midlands, Nebraska Children and Families Foundations and the Nebraska Child Abuse Prevention Fund Board.
“Child abuse prevention starts with strong families and connected communities,” said Gov. Pillen. “This month, we recognize the importance of supporting families and working together to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
Child Abuse Prevention Month has been celebrated nationally since 1983. For more than 40 years, organizations across the country have recognized the month by providing important information on preventing child abuse and neglect. In 2008, the blue pinwheel became the national symbol for the month.
The state has been developing new strategies to support early intervention and strengthen families before challenges escalate. This includes the development of the WE CARE framework and training, which help community members better understand when a situation may require reporting abuse or neglect and when a family may benefit from additional support and resources. This framework reinforces the importance of building support around families so children can remain where they feel loved, supported and safe.
Building on that, DHHS has partnered with United Way of the Midlands to develop the Nebraska Warmline. This resource will help families connect with services before challenges escalate. Currently, approximately 70% of calls to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline involve families who could benefit from prevention services. The Nebraska Warmline will help ensure families get the right support at the right time, strengthening families and helping children remain safely in their homes and communities. The Nebraska Warmline will be operational by January 2027.
“Prevention is about meeting families where they are and ensuring they have access to the support they need,” said Children and Family Services Director Dr. Alyssa Bish. “When we provide the right support at the right time, we can help stabilize families, reduce risk and keep children safe in the places they know and love.”
Child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility. By strengthening community connections, increasing access to resources and supporting families early, the state and its partners are working to create safer, healthier environments for children.
Visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx to learn how to recognize signs of child abuse and neglect. If you suspect a child is experiencing abuse or neglect, make a report online at https://neabusehotline-dhhs.ne.gov/ or call the Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 800-652-1999.