Brown County declares April Child Abuse Prevention Month

BROWN COUNTY – On Thursday, April 9, Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach officially declared the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to bring awareness to and elevate protection for children facing abuse or neglect in their homes.

Streckenbach also implored the residents of Brown County to wear blue on Friday, April 10, in recognition of the occasion.

“We are here today to recognize that April is Child Abuse and Family Strengthening Month,” said Streckenbach. “Specifically for the purposes of recognizing that unfortunately, still today in our community we have children fall victim to abuse and neglect. It’s really fallen on us to do everything we can to get that out of our community. The reality is that we are never going to get rid of it 100%, although that is our goal.”

Streckenbach also stated that Brown County has 70 dedicated child protective services and staff within its jurisdiction who do their part every day to help the community.

“Once the county has recognized and initiated the process, the courts step in. When that happens, we have our community partner, CASA — Court Appointed Special Advocates — and they help that child navigate the system,” said Streckenbach.

“What we often find is that a lot of times, trauma at an early age is what drives the substance abuse and addiction that eventually land them in court as an adult… If we as a community can’t figure out how to manage that trauma at an early age, it then unfortunately, potentially becomes a problem as an adult.”
Over 1,000 screened-in and assessed Child Protective Services referrals were received by Brown County in 2025 alone.

Brown County Director of Health and Human Services Executive Director Erik Pritzl said that he has faith the local community can make a tangible difference by stepping up to do their part to help children and families in need through either the foster care parent system, becoming a Pals Program mentor, or getting involved with CASA.

“We pride ourselves on responding with sensitivity and support to the children and families that are involved in these situations,” said Pritzl. “We have a community that is resource-rich with parenting support and resource centers for families, strong schools and a giving community.”

According to Pritzl, the role the community plays in aiding local children and families is invaluable.

“Everyone plays a role in supporting children and families. They can do this by volunteering for community organizations, becoming a foster parent… becoming a Pals Program mentor, or just get to know your neighbors and make those connections so they can have the support they need,” said Pritzl.
Streckenbach

“One of the great privileges and honors that I get as the County Executive is that I get the opportunity to do proclamations, and this one is for Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Streckenbach as he officially recognized April 2026 and called attention to the ways the community can help aid children and families facing this preventable issue.

If anyone believes a child is facing abuse or neglect, they are urged to call (920) 448-6035 to initiate a report.