Pinwheels of Possibility for National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month

A message from our proud partners at DCYF: 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time to reflect on what it takes to ensure all children and families can live purposeful, happy lives with hope for the future.

This year’s theme, Pinwheels of Possibility, challenges a long-standing misconception: that child abuse and neglect are the result of individual parental failure. In reality, they are often the outcome of unmet needs, chronic stress, and gaps in community support. 

When families have access to support early, before challenges escalate, positive outcomes for children are not only possible, they are expected. Research shows that Positive Childhood Experiences, such as safe, stable, and nurturing relationships,
protect children and promote lifelong well-being.

Pinwheels of Possibility

DCYF is the Prevent Child Abuse Washington State Chapter and leads the CAP month campaign in our state. The month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families.

Since 2013, Strengthening Families Washington has been leading this effort and distributes about 10,000 pinwheels statewide. We hold an annual pinwheel planting at the State Capitol, coloring the grounds with around 1,000 pinwheels. You may see pinwheels planted around your communities too. We invite you all to participate in Pinwheels for Prevention during the month of April.

Every act that builds protective factors in families is an act of prevention. These can be a parent spending quality time invested in their child, a child care provider providing resources or connection to other families, or a neighbor providing a meal to a family so the family can reduce stress and enjoy each other. Each pinwheel you see can be a reminder to inspire us all to support children having joyful and happy childhoods.

Similar to last year, we are partnering with Department of Enterprise Services to facilitate pinwheel orders. You will be able to order directly from the DCYF portion of the MyPrint website. Simply scroll down to Prevent Child Abuse Pinwheel, or enter pinwheel in the search bar.

You will have the option to order by credit card, or you can request to pay by check. For both options, once payment is received, there is a three-day turnaround for the items.

A few things to note: 

  • You will need to create a MyPrint account to purchase the pinwheels.
  • If your organization is tax exempt, there is a tax-exempt button on the website as well.
  • If you are placing an order larger than 960 (four cases) please email us so we can support you in receiving the lowest cost possible.
  • You are able to place multiple orders at once as well and send to multiple recipients if needed.

Please reach out to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov if you have any questions or need help navigating the system.

The pricing this year will go as follows (excludes tax):

  • 60 to 119 pinwheels - $1.40 a piece
  • 120 to 179 pinwheels - $1.22 a piece 
  • 180 to 239 - $1.16 - $1.16 a piece 
  • 240 or more - $1.13 a piece

The proceeds from the pinwheels pay in part, for the publication and distribution of our many free materials. This includes:

These can all be ordered free of charge from the DES website. We also have free printable coloring pages, stickers, and pinwheel posters. These items can be requested by emailing strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.

We have limited quantity available, so pinwheels will be provided on a first come, first served basis. All proceeds go to the Children’s Trust of Washington to support community prevention efforts. 

For more information regarding CAP month, including the easiest way to participate, by wearing blue on April 10! Read our resource guide. 

External Links

https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/publications-library?combine_1=COMM_0224&combine=&field_program_topic_2_value=All&field_languages_available_value=All