Governor declares April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month

Governor Kasich on Friday will declare April 2011 Ohio Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month and urge Ohioans to make a difference in protecting children.

In observance, the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund encourages all individuals and organizations to
Pause for a Child and take an active role in making their communities a better place for families
and children.

“Ohio's children are the future leaders of our state, and they need us to ensure their health and
well-being to help them reach their full potential,” said Senator Kevin Bacon (R- Minerva Park),
who serves as chairman of the Ohio Children's Trust Fund. “This month, I encourage all
Ohioans to find a way to make a difference in the lives of the children around them and help stop
child abuse and neglect throughout Ohio.”

The 2011 statewide observance of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month kicks off at 11
a.m. todaywith an event at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch,
96 S. Grant Ave. in downtown Columbus.

The event will include remarks by Justice YvetteMcGee Brown of the Supreme Court of Ohio, a musical performance by the Dana Elementary School Fifth Grade Choir and a special appearance by the Berenstain Bears. The event will also include the planting of pinwheels – the national symbol of child abuse prevention.

The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund asks you to help make a difference in the lives of Ohio’s most
precious resource – our children. Whether it is volunteering your time for programs that support
children, supporting child advocacy groups or advocating for other efforts designed to protect
children in Ohio and across the country, everyone can take a lead in making a difference.

The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund is the state’s sole public funding source dedicated to preventing
abuse and neglect. Housed within the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio
Children’s Trust Fund works with its 88 county partners to serve all Ohio communities.