Richland County commisisoners proclaim Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month

MANSFIELD -- Richland County commissioners this morning issued a proclamation declaring April to be Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month in the county.

Commissioner Gary Utt read the proclamation during a commissioners' meeting this morning. It was signed by all three commisioners, including Ed Olson and Tim Wert.

The proclamation read, in part:

"Whereas, Richland County recognizes April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, and we call upon all citizens to heighten their awareness and draw attention to the need for preventing child abuse and neglect;

"Whereas, the 2,900 pinwheels being planted (this month) represent the investigations of child abuse and neglect in Richland County during 2010. 

"Whereas, behind every successful adult there was a positive mentor in their youth.  This person could have been a family member, a neighbor, a teacher, a coach or a tutor; and,

"Whereas, the campaign theme, “Pinwheels for Prevention: It’s Your Turn to Raise the Leaders of Tomorrow” reminds us we all have a positive role to play in supporting our community’s young people and their families; and,

"Whereas, programs and strategies like home visitation, parent education, mutual self-help support, mental health services for parents and children, expanding the availability of affordable daycare programming and substance abuse treatment all play a role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect; and,

"Whereas, this month, it is important every member of our community consider what they can do to protect our children.  Everyone can take their turn in making a difference in the life of a child.

Children Services employees represented the agency at the meeting and also gave commissioners copies of the 2010 annual report and answered questions about the agency's efforts to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.