April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Here’s How Jewish Family Services is Making a Difference

Charlotte Jewish News, April 2025

By: Rachel Green, JFS Director of Programs and Services

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. Yet, too many children experience abuse or neglect, often going unnoticed or unreported. At Jewish Family Services (JFS), we are committed to breaking this cycle through prevention, intervention, and advocacy, working to ensure that children and families receive the support they need.

Jewish tradition places profound value on the welfare of children, reinforcing the collective duty to protect and care for the most vulnerable. JFS upholds this value by working year-round to support families in crisis, particularly during April, National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month serves as a call to action, reminding our community of the importance of awareness, education, and proactive measures.

Protecting children requires collaboration. JFS partners with local schools, synagogues, and agencies to equip caregivers, educators, and professionals with the tools to recognize warning signs of abuse and take appropriate action. Howard Olshansky, JFS executive director, and Rachel Green, JFS director of programs and services, play vital roles in community education, ensuring that those in caregiving and educational roles understand how to respond effectively.

JFS is also a dedicated member of the Mecklenburg Child Abuse Prevention Team, a coalition of child-serving organizations working to raise public awareness and educate the community. As part of this initiative, JFS will again plant the annual Pinwheel Garden in front of the Levine JCC, a powerful visual reminder of the bright futures we want for all children.

JFS’s Role in Prevention and Support

At JFS, we take a trauma-informed approach to working with children and families impacted by abuse. Our specialized therapy services provide evidence-based treatment, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), a nationally recognized intervention designed to help children process trauma, rebuild trust, and develop resilience. This structured, short-term model involves both the child and parent/caregiver, using interactive sessions to foster healing.

JFS also provides critical awareness campaigns, equipping the community with the tools to identify signs of abuse and report concerns responsibly. These efforts are particularly vital in faith-based communities, where stigma or fear may prevent families from seeking support.

Collaboration with Pat’s Place and Advocacy Efforts

To strengthen the safety net for vulnerable children, JFS works closely with Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center, Charlotte’s hub for child abuse prevention and response. “During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we elevate the need for open conversations between caregivers, educators, and community leaders,” says Mary Kathryn Elkins, director of the Healing Center at Pat’s Place. “Normalizing the topic and providing shared language around prevention is critical as we address rising rates of abuse.”

Beyond direct services, JFS is a strong advocate for systemic change. Howard Olshansky frequently participates in coalitions and task forces dedicated to improving child welfare policies and expanding community resources.“Our work isn’t just about responding to crises,” he emphasizes. “It’s about changing the system so that fewer children experience harm in the first place. Prevention, intervention, and advocacy must go hand in hand.”

How You Can Help

Child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility, and there are many ways community members can get involved:

- Educate yourself on the signs of abuse and how to report concerns.

- Support JFS programs by donating or volunteering.

- Advocate for policies that protect children and expand services for families.

- Participate in awareness events during April to help break the silence around child abuse.

A small act—whether attending an awareness event, making a donation, or simply learning more—can make a profound difference in the life of a child. By working together, we can ensure that every child in our community grows up in a safe, nurturing environment.

For more information about JFS’s programs and how to get involved, visit jfscharlotte.org.