NCJFCJ News
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for communities nationwide to acknowledge the dedication of child welfare professionals and advocates who work tirelessly to promote the well-being of children and families.
In recognition of northern Nevada’s commitment to supporting children affected by abuse and neglect, the Reno-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, the Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA), the Reno Aces, and other agencies will plant a symbolic blue pinwheel garden at Greater Nevada Field on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at noon.
Introduced by Prevent Child Abuse America, the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign, has used the pinwheel as a national symbol of child abuse prevention. Representing the joy and innocence of childhood, the pinwheel serves as a reminder of the safe and nurturing environments every child deserves.
“The Pinwheels for Prevention event brings our mission to life, reminding the community that every child deserves the chance to grow up safe, supported, and able to thrive,” said Joey Orduña Hastings, CEO of the NCJFCJ. “Through awareness and education, the NCJFCJ works toward positive change for children and families in Nevada and across the country, where research, policies, and best practices can directly impact young lives. The pinwheels are a powerful symbol of the carefree childhoods we want for all children and a reminder of why this work matters.”
According to the 2024 Child Maltreatment Report from the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Administration for Children & Families, more than 532,000 victims of child abuse and neglect were reported nationwide in fiscal year 2024. The report also reveals the youngest children are the most vulnerable, with children younger than one representing 44.5% of child fatalities resulting from maltreatment.
The NCJFCJ actively works to improve judicial oversight in child welfare cases through multiple initiatives. Established in 1996, the NCJFCJ Child Abuse and Neglect Institute provides specialized training for judicial officers in dependency court best practices. This comprehensive, week-long program brings together national and local experts to cover essential topics such as child development, substance abuse, hearing procedures, and court improvement strategies. Additionally, the NCJFCJ Implementation Sites Project, provides child abuse and neglect courts with training, technical assistance, and support to guide program improvement, sustainability, and performance.
The NCJFCJ remains committed to strengthening the child welfare system and invites the community to participate in raising awareness throughout April’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The NCJFCJ has placed pinwheels in Reno every April since 2017.
More than 4 million families are impacted by the work of the NCJFCJ every year. To learn more about the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, visit ncjfcj.org.