The United States Attorney’s Office called on communities across Wyoming to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, emphasizing the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect through collective efforts.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month is intended to remind people that children need safe, stable, and nurturing environments for healthy development. Research shows that positive experiences during childhood can lead to better health, education, and economic outcomes throughout life. These experiences may also help reduce long-term reliance on public systems.
U.S. Attorney Darin Smith said, “Protecting children starts long before a crisis occurs. When we invest in strong families, supportive communities, and early intervention, we not only safeguard children today, we build safer, more resilient communities for generations to come. Prevention is not just a social priority; it is a shared responsibility and one of the most effective tools we have to reduce future harm.”
Smith joined Mayor Patrick Collins on April 14 at Wyoming Child and Family Development’s Laramie County Headstart for the Mayor’s Proclamation on Child Abuse Prevention Month. He will also attend a proclamation event with the Laramie County Commissioners at the Historic Courthouse on April 21.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming advances public safety by addressing emerging crime trends and providing law enforcement training according to its official website. The office operates locations in Cheyenne, Casper, Lander and Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park according to its official website, serving all 23 counties over an area of nearly 98,000 square miles with a population around 581,348 according to its official website. It functions under the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
The jurisdiction includes federal prosecution responsibilities as well as defending government interests in civil litigation according to its official website. The district covers areas such as the Wind River Indian Reservation and parts of Yellowstone National Park according to its official website. The office investigates federal crimes while partnering with other agencies through initiatives like its Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee established in July 1981 according to its official website.
More information about National Child Abuse Prevention Month can be found at https://preventchildabuse.org/.
