Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity. The research behind adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has shown that abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and violence increases the risk for poor health outcomes later in life and can limit opportunities to become productive and self sufficient. 

Pinwheels for Prevention, a national campaign designed to increase awareness of child abuse prevention efforts is Florida’s statewide coordinated effort to highlight programs and activities that promote healthy child development and prevention of child abuse. The campaign, coordinated by Prevent Child Abuse (PCA) Florida, the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and the Florida Department of Children and Families, creates awareness of the proven ideas that child abuse can be prevented.  

 Shining in the sun, the pinwheel is reflective of the bright future all children deserve and the belief that getting it right early is less costly than trying to fix it later. 
Above: Weston City Hall sporting a 'pinwheel garden' during the month of April. 

Broward AWARE! Protecting OUR Children - is a multi agency campaign led by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County.  An awareness campaign that uses the full spectrum of media to ensure that Broward County families, educators, media, law enforcement, and all stakeholders use and share resources to make it possible for children to realize their full potential, hopes and dreams safely. The Broward AWARE campaign is inspired by the work of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida and Prevent Child Abuse/Pinwheels for Prevention Florida and focuses on:

• • Providing family strengthening resources to help keep children at home or with relative caregivers to avoid placement in the foster care system
  • Preventing injury and death from unsafe sleep practices, drowning, and leaving children in unattended vehicles                                                     
  • Providing resources to keep youth with non-violent infractions from entering and being stuck in the Juvenile Justice System
  • Providing supports for youth that can help them achieve their goals through mentorship, education, job internships and training
  • Engaging fathers in the lives of their children as positive role models and primary caregivers 
  • Recognizing the signs of and preventing human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children

SIGNS AND SYMTOMS OF CHILD ABUSE. - Mayo Clinic Website 

Learn the six protective factors that parents and communities should have:

On the evening of April 20, 2026 the City of Weston presented a proclamation recognizing Guardian Ad Litem - Child Abuse Prevention and Volunteer Appreciation Month to the Broward County Guardian ad Litem program and a Child Abuse Prevention proclamation to the Children's Services Council of Broward County.  For over 40 years, the Guardian ad Litem Program has provided independent advocacy for hundreds of thousands of dependent children throughout the state of Florida. 

To become a Guardian ad Litem in Broward County, please visit:  guardianadlitem.org.

Whether you are young or old, busy or retired, children need just YOU.

For additional information, visit BrowardAware for details on child abuse prevention and more.