JAMES CITY COUNTY — A long-standing community event focused on child abuse prevention will return with a renewed name and expanded focus on family engagement and education on April 1.
The “Stronger Together: Child Abuse Prevention Family Fest,” hosted by James City County Social Services, builds on a tradition that spans more than three decades.
“James City County has had an event to honor child abuse prevention month for over 30 years,” Phillis Hurr, a supervisor said. “We have renamed the event this year to better capture the purpose. We want to provide information to the community on how to prevent child abuse and neglect and bring awareness to the many outstanding services James City County offers while providing a fun event for families.”
The theme “Stronger Together” reflects the organization’s emphasis on community support.
“It takes a village to raise children,” organizers said. “We want families to understand there are supports around them and community members who want to help them without judgement and/or preconceived notions.”
Held during Child Abuse Prevention Month, the event highlights the role the broader community plays in protecting children.
“We all play a role in helping families find the strength they need to raise safe, healthy, and productive children,” organizers said. “Parenting is one of the toughest and most important jobs, and we all have a stake in ensuring that parents have access to the resources and support they need to be successful.”
According to the Virginia Child Protective Services report for State Fiscal Year 2025, child abuse and neglect remained a significant concern, with 36,761 completed reports involving more than 53,000 children across the state. The data shows that while most cases resulted in family assessments rather than formal findings, over 4,300 children were confirmed victims of abuse or neglect following investigations.
According to the report, physical neglect and physical abuse were among the most commonly reported concerns, and thousands of additional cases were investigated but ultimately not substantiated. The report also highlights that more than 100,000 individuals made reports during the year, reflecting widespread community involvement in identifying and responding to potential harm to children. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue, a color tied to child abuse prevention awareness.
“In 1989 a Virginia grandmother began the Blue Ribbon Campaign as a memorial her 3- year-old grandson, who was murdered by his mother’s boyfriend,” Laura, a CPS worker, said. “The spirit of the blue ribbon grew, and by the following year, it had become the symbol for child abuse prevention in Virginia.”
Families attending the April 1 event can expect a variety of activities and resources. Organizers said the event is designed to be both welcoming and engaging.
“James City County Social Services has always found it important to create a welcoming environment and wanted to create an event that would make families feel welcomed and have fun,” they said.
Community providers and first responders will also be on site to connect with residents.
“Community providers will provide information and answer any questions about services they provide and who is eligible for those services,” organizers said. “First responders are there, it shows the community that their job is more than just a job to them, and they truly care about James City County.”
In addition to entertainment, the event focuses on education and awareness.
“Information will be provided on how to prevent abuse/neglect and reporting abuse/neglect,” organizers said.
Each participating organization will offer direct access to resources.
“Each vendor will have information about their organization at their table and representatives from that organization will be there to answer questions,” organizers said.
Organizers emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing child abuse and neglect.
“It is important to raise awareness that child abuse and neglect do happen and look into ways to stop it,” they said.
The event is open to all community members, encouraging attendees to come with an open mind. Beyond the event, officials hope to encourage ongoing prevention efforts through education and engagement.
“It is important for the community to learn about the Strengthening Families, Protective Factors Framework, and how we may each contribute,” organizers said.
Long-term, organizers aim to reduce stigma and increase awareness of available services.
“To bring more awareness and decrease stigmas associated with Social Services,” they said.
