North Charlotte Today

Local advocates and officials are preparing to launch Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, as part of a national initiative aimed at highlighting prevention strategies and raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. The event will be hosted by the Mecklenburg County Child Abuse Prevention Team, which is a coalition that includes government, education, nonprofit, and health organizations.

The kickoff event is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. It will take place at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center located at 600 E. 4th Street in Charlotte, NC. Speakers will include District Attorney Spencer B. Merriweather III along with representatives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and Pat’s Place among others. Light refreshments and a candy buffet will be available to attendees.

Following the presentations, weather permitting, participants will walk to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse where they will plant pinwheels in the courthouse's traffic circle. The pinwheel is used nationally as a symbol of child abuse prevention and represents the bright childhood all children should have.

Throughout April, gardens of pinwheels are expected to appear across Mecklenburg County as part of efforts by the team to spark conversations about protecting children. "The team encourages everyone to wear blue for child abuse prevention," noted organizers.

In addition to events like these, the team focuses on supporting families and educating communities on how every individual can contribute to preventing child abuse and neglect—not just parents or caregivers. During April's campaign period, they plan to disseminate prevention tips via social media while promoting local resources and training opportunities.

For more information regarding upcoming events or ways to support this cause visit Meck4kids.org.