Public Education and awareness remain the primary focus of the Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC). For the last many years, Aitkin County CAPC has selected one special topic, one that either has been in the national spotlight or one of local/regional importance, on which to focus its efforts each year. During the 2016-2017 funding cycle, the special topic was body safety. A poster was developed and distributed through presentations in the schools and by posting the information around the communities within the county. The theme of the poster was "Secrecy of
Abuse: 'Stranger Danger' is not enough." Aitkin County CAPC has also actively promoted "Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies" through the use of its Face Book page and handouts for parents.

Other public education and outreach efforts that promoted social connections, concrete supports for parents, knowledge of child development, and life skills education for children were provided by schools, organizations, and agencies within the county. Aitkin County CAPC helped to fund or sponsor these activities which are aimed at both primary and secondary prevention efforts.

Aitkin CAPC plans to use funds from the 2017 Radiothon to continue efforts just like these and to focus on "Healthy Parenting - It's Consistent, Starts At Birth, Needs Support, and Is Intentional."

The Aitkin County Child Abuse Prevention Council wishes to extend a heartfelt "Thank You" for your support of this year's "Annual Radiothon to End Child Abuse." We could not do our activities without your donations and your involvement!