City of Boulder, CO

04/03/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/03/2025 17:32

National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Resources for Boulder Children and Families

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Monthwhich recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. The well-being of our community is a shared responsibility and the City of Boulder encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Boulder a better place for children and families.

The city supports healthy and thriving children and families through various programs and services.

Youth and Family Services

The city's Family Services division is comprised of three programs which offer a range of comprehensive services to support children, youth and families in the City of Boulder:

  • Child Care Subsidy- Provides financial assistance to qualifying low- and lower-middle income families in Boulder, who are not eligible for Boulder County Child Care Assistance Program.
  • Family Resource Schools- Supports families' capacity to raise healthy, well-functioning, and successful children through a broad array of prevention and early intervention services. Coordinators are housed at five elementary schools in Boulder: Columbine, Creekside, Crest View, University Hill and Whittier International.
  • Youth Opportunities Program- Promotes youth civic engagement and leadership development, organizes community events and provides youth perspective and recommendations on city and community projects, issues and initiatives.

Youth Service Initiative (YSI)

This Parks and Recreation programinspires youth and families from underrepresented communities to make healthy, caring and responsible choices through recreation, health and well-being opportunities as well as develop life skills.

Each year, YSI serves about 150 young people whose circumstance would otherwise prevent them from experiencing many of the same recreational activities and options their peers enjoy. Through diverse programming YSI exposes youth to art, good nutrition, career exploration, a healthy culture and support system.

YSI empowers Boulder's youth to grow, be a part of their community and pursue an engaging career path.

Child Friendly City Initiative

The City of Boulder is partnering with UNICEF USA and Growing Up Boulder to work towards formal recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly City. The goal of the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative is to identify and prioritize action steps and mobilize the community to improve young people's health and well-being.

The City of Boulder and Growing Up Boulder just completed a State of the Child Report which is the result of a comprehensive data collection process spanning more than a year. This effort engaged over 1,400 community members, including children, teens, parents, caregivers and community partners, to assess the well-being of youth in Boulder. One of the top findings in the report identified that young people in Boulder are seeking more methods, resources and adult allyship in combatting bullying and identity-based discrimination. Based on these key findings, a group of youth leaders have identified the need to address bullying and ensure psychological safety of youth as a top priority to address in Boulder. Youth will be sharing this update with Council in May 2025.

The State of the Child Report can be found on Growing Up Boulder's websiteand more information about the Child Friend Cities Initiative in Boulder can be found on the city's website.

Community Organizations Supporting Children and Families

The City of Boulder's Office of Human Rightshas compiled a list of some of the many community organizations that bring awareness to child abuse and support healthy families.

These agencies offer community resources that protect and promote children's wellbeing. We're grateful to have so many local organizations that are dedicated to protecting our children.

Blue Sky Bridge

Blue Sky Bridgeis a child advocacy center that serves families throughout Boulder County by fostering safe communities, healing, and justice to end child abuse. Blue Sky Bridge is committed to serving both the children who enter the abuse investigation process and those children who have not yet found a way to tell their story.

Their education programshelp ensure that kids know they are the boss of their own bodies and that they, and the adults around them, know where to turn for help. They also promote child advocacythorough their work helping families during child abuse investigations. Learn more about Blue Sky Bridge on their website.

Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County

Boulder Voices for Childrenbuilds a healthier community by delivering services, support, and advocacy to children who have experienced trauma.

Each year, hundreds of children will be involved in a court case related to abuse and neglect or parents who cannot meet a child's basic needs. Boulder Voices for Children support these children with Court Appointed Special Advocates - trained volunteersappointed by a judge or magistrate - to advocate for their best interests. These volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is in a safe, permanent home.

Learn more about Boulder Voices for Children on their website.

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence

Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence(SPAN) is a human rights organization committed to ending violence against adults, youth and children through support, advocacy, education and community organizing. From crisis intervention to shelter, legal advocacy and outreach counseling services, SPAN provides victims of interpersonal violence in Boulder County with the support and services needed to offer safety, hope and healing

Domestic Violence is defined as sexual, family and intimate partner violence that includes any type of abusive behavior or action used to gain control over a partner, ex-partner, family member (including chosen family), and member of the same household. There are many forms of abusive relationships, but no form of abuse should ever be excused.

At SPAN, survivors of domestic violence and community members have access to a variety of supports and programs including:

  • Family Resiliency Engagement and Empowerment: A creative, socio and emotional skill building group using art and horticultural therapies. This group meets weekly in person. There's no need to sign up. This program is appropriate for child and youth ages 5-11 years old.
  • Caregiver Support Group: Promotes family, parent, and caregiver wellness through practical, stress-reducing techniques and engaging discussions as well as learning and integrating themes from the curriculum for simultaneous family practicing.
  • Individual Counseling: Program participants have access to individual counseling after completing a counseling intake. They can access up to 12 sessions. Sessions can be in-person or virtual. All counseling services are consensual for youth over 12 years old and adults.

For more information visit SPAN's website,call the 24/7 Hotline at 303-444-2424 or email hotline@safehousealliance.org.

Additional Resources