Every child deserves to grow up safe, supported and loved. Yet in Marin County and across the nation, too many children face abuse, neglect and instability. And the systems meant to protect them are often strained, misunderstood or out of touch with families’ real needs.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when communities across the globe recognize the importance of safeguarding our children.

You may have seen a blue ribbon tied to a lamppost or backpack. This powerful symbol began in 1989, when a grieving grandmother tied one to her car antenna after the tragic death of her grandson. Her quiet act of protest sparked a national movement to raise awareness of child abuse.

But awareness alone isn’t enough. We must also act, and act wisely. Here in Marin, the Child Abuse Prevention Council brings together service providers, educators, and advocates to strengthen families before harm occurs.

Our recently released “2024 Marin County Kids Community Report” paints a sobering picture: 77 youth were in foster care at some point this year; 37 children entered foster care due to unsafe home conditions; and 943 reports of abuse or neglect were filed, and 43 of those were confirmed as legal cases of abuse.

Behind each number is a child, a family and a system trying to respond. If we’re serious about protecting children, we must build systems of care that are not just reactive, but proactive, equitable and guided by those with firsthand knowledge.

If you’ve never interacted with the child welfare system, it can be hard to imagine what it’s like. But families with lived experience — parents, youth and kin caregivers — know intimately how these systems operate and where they fall short. Lived experience, sometimes called lived expertise, is the deep, practical knowledge that comes from personally navigating the child welfare system.

These individuals have unique insights into what support systems truly help, what barriers cause harm and what services work in support of families to prevent the likelihood of abuse or neglect. Too often, decisions about policies and programs are made without the input of those most affected by them. That’s not just inefficient, it’s unjust.

As the Child Welfare Information Gateway at childwelfare.gov reminds us, “Meaningfully engaging those with lived experience requires equal partnership throughout the process, not as an afterthought.” That means hiring individuals for their expertise, compensating them fairly and supporting their professional development. It means treating lived experience not as a checked box or an inspirational story, but as real, necessary leadership.

Many of us may have never needed child protective services. That’s a blessing. But all of us — especially those with influence, resources and time — have a role to play in ensuring support systems are more compassionate, effective and just.

You can support the organizations that prioritize lived experience in their work. You can advocate for policy change that values family voice. You can take the time to listen and learn from those who’ve lived it, and allow that wisdom to guide how you give, vote, lead and advocate.

By placing lived experience at the heart of child welfare reform, we can build systems of care that not only protect children but also strengthen families, restore dignity, and create lasting change. That’s what every child and every community deserves.

Interested in becoming involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month? Here are some opportunities for you to join us:

• Wear blue during the month of April: By wearing blue, we emphasize the vital role each of us plays in supporting and connecting with children and families.

• Marin County Board of Supervisors resolution on April 15: The “Blue Ribbon” resolution will be presented at the meeting in the Marin Civic Center. Come and show your support. Anyone may speak during the public comment period.

• The Blue Ribbon event is April 22: Attend an inspiring presentation by Anna Kelleher about lived experience and the role it plays in preventing child abuse. Visit MarinCAPC.org for details.

To learn more or get involved with the Marin Child Abuse Prevention Council, email Anneb@calparents.org or call 707-585-6108 extension 1149.

Robin Bowen is the executive director of Child Parent Institute. Pegah Faed is CEO for Safe and Sound, a Bay Area-based nonprofit.