OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma District Attorneys Association has launched its “Year of the Child” public awareness initiative for 2025, a statewide effort dedicated to protecting and improving the well-being of children across the state, the association said in a news release.
With a focus on enhancing public policy, strengthening community partnerships and raising public awareness, the initiative will tackle issues such as child abuse, chronic absenteeism in schools and access to support resources for children in need.
“The ‘Year of the Child’ effort is about making child safety a top priority in Oklahoma,' said Jack Thorp, president of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council and chair of the Oklahoma District Attorneys Association. “Every child deserves to grow up in an environment that is safe and supportive. This campaign is our commitment to doing what we can to ensure that every child in our state has that chance.”
Throughout 2025, prosecutors across Oklahoma will work to bring public attention to three core areas as part of the effort:
• Strengthening public policy: Strengthening child protection laws and championing changes to provide better resources for at-risk children and tougher penalties for child abusers.
• Community engagement: Partnering with schools, nonprofits and community organizations to create a network of support for children, including intervention programs and mentoring initiatives.
• Public awareness: Raising awareness about the signs of child abuse and neglect and encouraging communities to come together to support vulnerable children.
By focusing on better policy, early intervention and community-driven solutions, the “Year of the Child” seeks to make meaningful, lasting changes to protect Oklahoma's children, the association said.
The campaign will take on different forms with a variety of programs across the state, with each of Oklahoma’s 27 district attorneys adapting the overall purpose to unique needs and challenges in their own regions.
District attorneys will spearhead a variety of actions in their communities that bring together educators, law enforcement, community leaders and parents to address child safety issues at the local level.
2025 will also see additional social media communications to raise awareness and draw attention to resources for families across Oklahoma. Oklahomans are encouraged to get involved by volunteering, attending events or donating to support local child advocacy programs.