GENESEO, N.Y., April 24, 2025 — The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has named April as Child Abuse Prevention Month across the County. During this month and throughout the year, the County is dedicated to supporting families through prevention efforts and reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect.
Celebrated every April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to help prevent child abuse and neglect. Prevention services and support developed through this collaboration have played an impactful role in protecting children and strengthening families throughout Livingston County and beyond.
"Strong communities protect our children,” said County Social Services Commissioner Tracy McCaughey. “Prevention is possible when we all play a part to build resilient families and foster environments where children are nurtured, valued, and protected.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in seven children experienced abuse or neglect in the last year, with many cases going unreported. In 2021, 1,820 children died as a result of abuse and neglect. Studies have concluded that rates of child abuse and neglect are five times higher for children in families with a low socioeconomic status. In total, the lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect was nearly $600 billion in 2018, rivaling other high-profile public health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Prevention through practical measures and programs have demonstrated the ability to mitigate factors that contribute to child abuse and neglect. These strategies are often successful based on community-based partnerships created among citizens, social service agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, healthcare providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community.
Throughout the year, the Livingston County Department of Social Services encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Livingston County a better place for children and families. Child abuse and neglect can be prevented by ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to care for their children. Research has shown that protective factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. These factors are:
- Nurturing and attachment
- Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
- Parental resilience
- Social connections
- Concrete support systems for parents
- Social and emotional competence of children
Learn more about the services and programs offered by the County for children by visiting the Livingston County Department of Social Services website.
Do you suspect child abuse or maltreatment? If so, you can report it by calling Child Protective Services at 1-800-342-3720. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.
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About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.