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Child abuse prevention efforts have made dramatic improvements in the lives of children. Thankfully, more and more children and families in crisis are being linked with resources, information, support and opportunities to help them on their road to success.
Franklin County Commissioners are encouraging residents to take part in prevention efforts and bring awareness to the severity and prevalence of child abuse and neglect in the community.
Each year, Franklin County Children Services provides help for more than 28,000 children. Commissioners noted that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month-- a time for everyone to take notice and focus on child abuse prevention.
“While we are making progress towards putting a stop to child abuse and neglect in our community, there is still more work to be done,” said Commission President Marilyn Brown. “We must continue to work together as a community to bring hope back into the lives of our children through education, intervention and successful abuse prevention efforts.”
During April, 6,954 colorful pinwheels will be displayed throughout Franklin County, each representing a report of child abuse or neglect in the county in 2006.
Despite child abuse prevention efforts many children continue to be left behind. Children die every day from abuse and neglect, and often someone is aware of the abuse but did not report it. Nationally, three million reports of child abuse and neglect are made to Children Services agencies every year. In Ohio, every 10 minutes a child is abused or neglected.
“Let’s nurture and care for our children and give parents the tools they need to raise healthy children like the parent hotline,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy. “Child abuse and neglect can happen in only a moment but that moment may have devastating and long-lasting effects which prevent children from reaching their full potential as an adult.”
“Whether considering the financial or developmental detrimental effects to family and children, child abuse is wrong,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “Never shake a baby, never hit a toddler, and don’t abuse school-age children or teenagers. If you’re an abuser, get help and stop now. If you observe child abuse, do something about it, don’t stand by and let it happen.”
Franklin County Children Services works in partnership with more than 100 local and statewide agencies and organizations to provide prevention, protection, placement and permanency services. Call the Franklin County Children Services 24-hour child abuse hotline at 614-229-7000 to report abuse or neglect.
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