Honoring the Past, Protecting the Future: Child Abuse Prevention Month at Abbott House

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Each April, Abbott House joins communities across the country in recognizing National Child Abuse Prevention Month—a time to raise awareness, inspire action, and honor the resilience of children and families.

The blue ribbon, a symbol now recognized worldwide, has its roots in the love and heartbreak of one grandmother. In 1989, Bonnie Finney tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her minivan to honor her grandson, Michael Wayne “Bubba” Dickenson. At just three years old, Bubba lost his life due to abuse. Bonnie had tried to intervene, and after his tragic death, she found a powerful way to speak out. Her simple act of tying that ribbon sparked a national movement—one that transformed a symbol of grief into a beacon of hope and advocacy.

Over time, the blue ribbon spread from community to community, becoming the national symbol for child abuse prevention. Today, you may also see blue pinwheels—symbols of the happy, carefree childhood all children deserve. Pinwheels represent the joy of childhood and the supportive, loving environments we all strive to create for families.

At Abbott House, this month reminds us why our work is so critical. From safe foster homes to empowering programs that help children heal from trauma, everything we do is rooted in the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and a chance to thrive.

We invite you to join us this April—whether it’s wearing a blue ribbon, displaying a pinwheel, or learning more about how to support children and families in your community. Together, we can be part of a legacy of prevention, protection, and hope.

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