Austin proclaims Child Abuse Prevention Month

Austin officials have officially declared April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, highlighting the city’s dedication to fortifying families via prevention efforts and community collaborations.

In an important move, Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela delivered a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Kirk Watson, emphasizing the vital role of Austin-based nonprofit Upbring in promoting child well-being throughout the region.

“In order to establish Austin as the premier destination for living, working, and raising a family, we require forward-thinking nonprofit collaborators such as Upbring, who transform daring solutions into enduring change,” Watson stated in a proclamation.

City officials announced that the designation aligns with Austin’s comprehensive approach to tackling child abuse and neglect by prioritizing early intervention, emphasizing community-based systems designed to assist families before issues develop into crises.

“This proclamation highlights our collective dedication to a promising future for the children of Austin and underscores the strength of community—collaborating with partners like Upbring who are truly impacting families, including those in my district,” Vela stated.

At the heart of these initiatives is Upbring’s Child Wellbeing Zones model, which is currently operating in both Austin and Dallas. This method employs a focused, location-specific strategy to link children and their caregivers with organized services, tackling risk factors associated with abuse or neglect.

“This recognition underscores the significance of the efforts already underway in communities across Austin and throughout our state,” stated Mike Loo, president and CEO of Upbring. “Prevention is not just a goal—it's attainable now.”

April is acknowledged nationwide as Child Abuse Prevention Month, with cities and organizations throughout the country advocating for awareness and resources dedicated to safeguarding children.

Vela urged civic partners, service providers, and public agencies to maintain their investment in stable, supportive environments for families, highlighting the critical role of collaboration in achieving lasting outcomes.

City officials announced that the proclamation acknowledges the ongoing efforts and serves as a rallying cry to enhance access to resources that support family well-being.