April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This initiative is rooted in communities working together to serve children and their families in meaningful, impactful ways that provide families with the support they need, especially during challenging times. 

Approximately 3.1 million children across the country were involved in an assessment/investigation through child protective services, and 558,899 children were found to be victims of child maltreatment. In 2023, the Knox County Department of Job and Family Services (KCDJFS) received 1,668 calls and completed 515 investigations of alleged abuse and neglect. The average caseload included 85 active families per month receiving ongoing case management services and 133 youth placed in out-of-home care. Twenty-one adoptions were finalized during the year, providing youth with permanency. 

Each year, we educate others and raise awareness about the impact child abuse has on children and the community. Providing information about best practices that are known to build parental capacity through protective factors is key to helping families become more resilient.

“Each and every day, Knox County Children Services strives to make the lives of Knox County children and families better. To do this, we collaborate with many community agencies to provide the needed support to families. These partnerships are vital in assisting children and families to prevent child abuse and neglect,” said Knox County JFS Children Services Administrator Danielle Crider.