(DCCA-DYS) — The Department of Community & Cultural Affairs-Division of Youth Services is sending out a heartfelt thank you to every single person who showed up, stood with DYS, and helped make this year’s Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness Month one of the most powerful in years. April was packed — from early morning roadside waving to packed softball fields, outreach booths, and school hallways, DYS was out in full force and so was the community.
The prevention month reminded everyone of what real community looks like. Parents, students, government leaders, teachers, volunteers, and youth advocates all stepped up in big ways — waving signs, joining events, sharing resources, and having the difficult, but necessary conversations about protecting children.
One of the biggest highlights was the 2nd Annual Strike Out Child Abuse Softball Tournament. It wasn’t just about softball — it was about raising awareness in a way that brought people together. The teams played their hearts out, DYS’ outreach team shared resources between games, read out CNMI statistics, and reminded everyone the reason for the event: for the kids.
On the same day the tournament wrapped up, DYS and the Norther Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence teamed up to host the 2025 DYS Family Fun Day and SAFE Jamboree. Families got to enjoy food, games, giveaways, and informational booths from over a dozen agencies. DYS’ youth and wellness advocates led the charge, and they were so proud to see so many kids walking away with new knowledge — and big smiles.
Throughout the month, the team also hit the airwaves for a series of radio shows on KKMP and appeared on NMI News Talk to talk about child abuse, teen safety, and the different types of neglect and violence families might be facing. Whether it was about physical abuse, emotional harm, or the growing concerns around drug exposure — the team put real stories and solutions on the table.
School visits were nonstop as waving took place at different schools all month long. In addition, DYS trained staff, shared safety talks with kids, and presented at the PSS Parents Summit and PSS Vice Principals Summit. One of the proudest moments was launching the official Child Abuse Prevention Month video produced by the Public School System team — filmed with students, staff and partnering agencies— which played for the first time at the Summit and has already made its way into school classrooms and social media.
Youth voices were strong all month. DYS’ CARE Youth Advocates didn’t just show up — they led. From speaking in classrooms to working outreach booths and preparing for next month’s youth conference, they reminded the community that young people aren’t just part of the solution — they are the solution.
This movement wasn’t just seen on Saipan — DYS’ teams on Rota and Tinian also showed up big this April. From outreach support to radio appearances, roadside wavings, and planning with schools and agencies, DYS staff across all three islands came together to protect children and uplift families. Everyone’s voice mattered. Everyone’s presence counted.
Behind the scenes, DYS CPS caseworkers kept up with the hard work that never stops — checking on families, responding to calls, supporting placements, and following up with schools, courts, and caregivers. The team truly stepped up in every way, all while planning, packing outreach bags, and staying active in community events.
Mariah Manglona (Barcinas), CPS supervisor, shared, “This is what doing things differently looks like—bringing people together in countless ways to tackle the serious issues at hand. It’s about showing up for our community, and our DYS team will continue to do just that.”
DYS Administrator Vivian Sablan summed it up best: “When we say ‘it takes a village,’ this month proved it. Every booth, every honk at a roadside waving, every softball game, every classroom visit — it all added up. It’s easy to feel small when we’re overwhelmed, but April reminded us that we’re not alone. Thank you to every single person who showed up, cheered us on, or just listened and learned. You are part of this movement.”
DCCA-DYS is deeply thankful to the CNMI Legislature for your presence and contributions, including: Rep. Ralph Yumul, Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Rep. Marissa Flores, Rep. Angelo Camacho, Rep. Elias Rangamar, Rep. Denita Yangetmai, Rep. BJ Attao, Sen. Donald Manglona, Rep. Roy Ada, and Rep. Diego Vincent Camacho.
Special thanks to our partnering agencies who came out and showed their support: Medicaid, BECQ, Karidat, the Mayor’s Office, DPS, DFEMS, HOPE Recovery Center, Office of Youth Affairs, DPS-Highway Patrol, CHCC-CGC, OAG-Victim Advocate Program, SAAR, PSS, and the Head Start/Early Head Start Program. Your presence and collaboration helped make this a truly impactful event.
DCCA-DYS also recognizes the generous donors who helped make these events extra special:
• Jet Holdings, Blossoms Floral, Coca-Cola, Rep. Diego Vincent Camacho, Rep. Roy Ada McDonald’s, D&Q, 670 Rock Steady Shop, Tan Holdings, Marpac, Pacifica, Subway, IT&E and Herman’s Bakery
To the awesome vendors for fueling the fun and flavor: Island Grindz, Abygnales Snack Bar, The Hut, and Chelu Shave Ice — thank you for keeping everyone refreshed throughout the event!
To DYS’ amazing volunteers and to everyone who brought tables, smiles, and support — thank you! To the families who came out, the kids who laughed and learned, and the entire CNMI community that continues to show up for our children, youth and families — thank you. You make the difference. You are the change.
And to our kids and youth who feel like no one is listening — we see you. We got you and we’re going to keep doing this for you. This month may be over, but the work continues. Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s keep showing up and let’s keep protecting our children.
This month and every month, we stand by our theme: “Doing Things Differently: Moving from the Challenge to the Change.”
About CPS & How to Get Help
The Child Protective Services team under DYS works daily to respond to concerns of abuse and neglect, support families, and promote safe, healthy childhoods across the CNMI.
To report child abuse or neglect:
Call our 24-Hour On-Call Lines: (670) 285-2780 / 2781
Or dial 911 for emergencies.
To learn more, get involved, or access resources, contact DYS-CPS at (670) 237-1005 through 1014, or follow DCCA-DYS on Facebook and Instagram.
