Step Up for Kids

A Statewide Call to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect

On Wednesday, April 16, Children’s Trust advocates, program partners, board members, and legislators gathered for Step Up for Kids at the Massachusetts State House to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and draw attention to a critical need: investing in the family support workforce.

At the heart of Step Up for Kids were 70 pairs of shoes on display to represent the average number of confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect every day in Massachusetts.

“No child should ever experience abuse or neglect,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, who joined the event to present a Proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. “Behind every number is a story of a child that is experiencing harm, and it’s on us to ensure that we’re speaking up against abuse of all kinds, but especially when it’s against our most vulnerable.”

We also took this opportunity to highlight and recognize the important work being done in the legislature. We were thrilled to present the Valuing Our Children awards to Senator Robyn Kennedy, Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, and Representative Susannah M. Whipps in recognition of their commitment to policies and programs that support families across Massachusetts.

This year, we partnered with Reebok, which generously donated the shoes that lined the Grand Staircase of the Massachusetts State House.

Questions?

If you couldn’t make it to Step Up for Kids this year, we hope you’ll join us next April at the Massachusetts State House. Details about next year’s event will be shared as the date approaches.

Questions? Please contact Alexia Edwards, Events Specialist, at alexia.edwards@childrenstrustma.org.