ChildSafe, a group that helps abused children recover, is behind the campaign that circulated more than 75,000 cardboard kids around the city this month – a record number.
Each creatively-decorated cardboard kid represents an abused child.
The campaign is meant to spread awareness of the child abuse epidemic in our community. The recent outcries are proof kids are getting the message too.
"Here's a wonderful, wonderful way to have a conversation about a very difficult topic that we should be talking about openly," says Randy McGibeny from ChildSafe.
He told us about a little girl who recently learned about Cardboard Kids in school.
"Did the Cardboard Kids, went home and told her mom that she was being sexually abused by a family member," McGibeny says.
In another recent case, a teacher showed the class the website listed on the back of each figure.
"It talks about good touch, bad touch, what physical abuse is, what sexual abuse is - but does it in a child-friendly way," McGibeny says. "The child began to cry in the classroom, realizing she was a victim of sexual abuse. They sent her to the counselor and there she made an outcry."
Both girls got immediate support through a new program that combines the resources of law enforcement, the justice system, a hospital and advocacy groups like ChildSafe.
"And the impact that we've seen it have on the organization: last month, we did 160 forensic interviews. Historically, we've averaged 100," McGibeny says.
So more kids are getting the help they need, thanks to adults working together and a helping hand from a Cardboard Kid.
"We have to create safe environments for children to come forward," McGibeny says. "And what's fascinating about Cardboard Kids is: it does just that."
The campaign runs all of April, which is also Child Abuse Awareness Month. ChildSafe is also working to raise $1 million during the month. Click here to help. That money would help serve 2,000 more kids over the next year.