April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time when advocates, organizations, and families gather in the fight for children’s safety and wellbeing. It’s a sad occasion as we remember the lives impacted by child abuse and neglect. However, we also take time to recognize the helpers in our communities who are going above and beyond in protecting Pennsylvania’s children from abuse and neglect.

Every year, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Pa Family Support Alliance recognizes four Pennsylvanians as Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids. This year’s ceremony, held on April 2, was a great success. It brought together local and state elected officials, advocates, members of the community, and more for a day of remembrance and recognition.

We had a few new faces join us this year and one of them asked, “Why all the blue?” It’s a great question, so before we reflect on the events of April 2, let’s take a moment to explore how a simple blue ribbon came to carry a powerful message of awareness, advocacy, and hope for a future free from child abuse and neglect.

The history of the blue ribbon

The blue-ribbon movement began in 1989 with a grandmother from Virginia named Bonnie Finney. Stricken with grief over the abuse and tragic death of her grandson, Bonnie tied a blue ribbon to her car antenna to raise awareness about child abuse. She chose blue to symbolize the bruises suffered by children at the hands of abusers, hoping the visual reminder would inspire people to take action.

What started as a personal tribute quickly became a nationwide movement. The blue ribbon became the official symbol of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Today, the blue ribbon represents more than just awareness—it stands for prevention, education, and support for families. Schools, communities, and child welfare organizations rally each year to spread the message that every child deserves a safe and loving home.

Though the history of the blue ribbon is rooted in tragedy, its legacy is one of hope. Each time someone wears or displays a blue ribbon, they help shine a light on the importance of protecting children and strengthening families.

Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids

And shine a light we did.

What. A. Day. That’s all we can say about April 2.

The day started with planting 4,720 blue flags on 3rd and State streets in Harrisburg, in front of the state Capitol. This simple act reminds us of how many of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable were impacted and that there is work to be done to eradicate child abuse and neglect. We also planted 57 black flags to symbolize the children in Pennsylvania whose lives were lost in 2023 due to abuse and neglect.

After the planting concluded, we headed to the State Capitol for our Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids Awards ceremony. We heard from Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, who presented proclamations; Attorney General Dave Sunday; and state Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh. We appreciate these dignitaries taking time away from their busy schedules to offer remarks and greatly appreciate all they do to prevent child abuse and neglect.

It was an honor to recognize the following as Blue Ribbon Champions for Safe Kids:

• LaKeisha Berry of Philadelphia County, Director of Prevention & Family Support, Belmont Charter Network
• Joanne M. Godfrey of York County, Family Advocate, Children’s Aid Society – The Lehman Center
• Hailey E. Houk of Lawrence County, Police Detective, New Castle Police Department
• Tyler Smay of Cambria County, CASA Program Director, CASA of the Laurel Highlands – Beginnings, Inc.

As we said earlier: What. A. Day. Thank you to everyone who came out to support the event.

More info: Blue Ribbon Events in April