Taft proclaims April 2026 National Child Abuse Prevention Month, cites Kern County child-welfare figures

The Taft City Council on Tuesday read a proclamation declaring April 2026 National Child Abuse Prevention Month and urged greater prevention, early intervention and community collaboration.

The proclamation, read by Mayor pro tem Bryant, referenced data from the California Child Welfare Indicators Project and the Kern County Network for Children showing 13,512 suspected child-abuse or neglect reports in Kern County in 2024–25 — an average of about 37 per day — and 2,570 children determined to be victims after investigation, an average of roughly seven per day. The text noted that not all reports are substantiated and that many vulnerable children remain uncounted.

Steph, a representative of the Kern County Network for Children who accepted the proclamation, thanked the council and partners and stressed the local impact. "I must say it is the most disturbing thing when you hear those numbers," she said, urging residents to "keep your eyes open" for children in peril.

The proclamation calls for continued collaboration among Child Protective Services, law enforcement, health-care providers and community partners; it also publicizes an essential-needs donation drive to run April 1–30, 2026, with drop-offs accepted at the Kern County Network for Children's office.

The council signed the proclamation and encouraged public education and reporting as tools to strengthen child safety in Taft and Kern County. No formal action beyond the proclamation was taken during the open session.