When we invest in children, we are investing in our communities. In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the city has compiled a list of local resources for children and families.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month which 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 program inspires 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 recreational and educational activities and options their peers enjoy. YSI also enables underserved community members to get exposed to art, good nutrition, the benefits of academic achievement and higher education, 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.

Growing Up Boulder

Last March 16, city staff from across departments attended an in-person training called “A Child-Friendly Boulder is a Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Boulder” hosted by Growing Up Boulder (GUB). GUB is now housed at the Main Library and collaborates with the city in a variety of projects.

During the March 16 training, staff members learned about the innovative work Growing Up Boulder is already doing to make Boulder a more child-friendly city, and the support they are providing the city to better address the needs of young people and listen to their voices.

City staff learned about UNICEF USA’s Child-Friendly City Initiative framework which strives to create more sustainable and equitable cities for all ages. This framework includes learning about the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child and the role of children as active agents of our democracy. The city has launched a partnership with UNICEF USA and GUB to understand the priority needs of youth and young people in Boulder. These priority needs will result in a local action plan to improve children's well-being in Boulder and be recognized as a UNICEF Child Friendly City.

Community Organizations Supporting Children and Families

The City of Boulder’s Office of Human Rights has 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 Bridge is 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 programs help 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 advocacy thorough their work helping families during child abuse investigations. Learn more about Blue Sky Bridge on their website.

This year, Blue Sky Bridge is hosting two adult training sessions at the Boulder Jewish Community Center to educate the community about child abuse prevention.

  • Wednesday, April 10 from 6 – 7 p.m. - Understanding Childhood Sexuality: Littles and Middles

    • This skills-based training will help caregivers understand sexual development for children and how to have open conversations that foster healthy development.

  • Wednesday, April 17 from 6 – 7 p.m. - Body Safety in an Online World

    • This training will identify specific areas of vulnerability for kids and teens online and provide specific language to increase safety when gaming, communicating with peers or encountering inappropriate digital content.

Learn more and register online.

Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County

Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County builds 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. Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County support these children with Court Appointed Special Advocates - trained volunteers appointed 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 Voices for Children, CASA of Boulder County 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.

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