The Hamilton Area YMCA, in partnership with the Hamilton Township Child Abuse Prevention Task Force, will host a Community Workshop on Child Safety & Abuse Prevention on Tuesday, April 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the YMCA’s JKR Branch.
The family-oriented event brings together educators, health professionals and community organizations to provide essential tools and resources to help keep children safe.
The workshop aims to involve both parents and children through separate, age-appropriate sessions. While parents and caregivers engage in expert-led discussions on prevention, advocacy, and recognizing warning signs, children and teens will participate in engaging activities that boost confidence, awareness, and personal safety skills.
The Hamilton Township CAP Task Force is a collaborative effort committed to raising awareness and providing families with trusted resources to prevent child abuse and build safer communities.
“Protecting children is at the heart of everything we do,” said Diana Zita, CEO of the Hamilton Area YMCA. “This workshop is about empowering families with knowledge and giving our community the tools to recognize, prevent, and respond to abuse. When we come together as a community, we create a safer, stronger environment where every child can thrive.”
Child abuse prevention remains a critical issue across the country, with studies estimating that 1 in 10 children experience abuse before turning 18, and many cases go unreported. Events like this workshop aim to break the silence through education, awareness, and community teamwork.
The evening will feature presentations from organizations including Penn Medicine, Princeton Health, Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey, PEI Kids and Embright Education. Topics will include social-emotional learning, digital safety, healthy relationships and resilience-building strategies. Community resource tables will be available throughout the event. K-9 Sunny of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office will also be on hand.
“We know that prevention begins with education and strong partnerships,” said Scott Rocco, superintendent of Hamilton Township Schools. “By working together, schools, families, and community organizations, we can make sure that every child has the support and protection they need to succeed.”
The workshop looks to highlight a common dedication within Hamilton Township to focus on child safety and develop a unified, proactive prevention strategy.
Childcare will be provided during parent sessions.
