Some of our nation’s costliest social problems—like child abuse
and neglect—are rooted in early childhood. April is National
Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize the proven
policies that help break the cycle of abuse and that promote the
social and emotional well-being of children and families.
Voluntary home visiting matches parents with trained
professionals to provide information and support during
pregnancy and throughout their child’s early years—a critical
developmental period. Increasingly, states are turning to
evidence-based home visiting programs in an effort to prevent
abuse and neglect. Learn more about how home visiting gives
families a solid foundation and helps states save money.  The
Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kids Count Data Center, National Kids
Count Program, "Children who are confirmed by child protective
services as victims of maltreatment by age group (Percent) –
2009," accessed February 28, 2012.  Olds DL, Eckenrode J,
Henderson CR, Kitzman H, Powers J, Cole R, Sidora K, Mo