Richland County commissioners proclaim 'Child Abuse Prevention Month'

April 3, 2012

Richland County commissioners proclaimed April to be “Child Abuse Prevention” month.

Commissioners Ed Olson, Gary Utt and Tim Wert all joined in a proclamation read during the commissioners’ meeting at the county administration building on April 3.

Richland County Children Services Executive Director Randy Parker and other agency officials attended the session and spoke about the work of the agency and events coming up this month.

Those events include "Pinwheels for Prevention" outside of the Mansfield Area YMCA, the statewide "Wear Blue to Work" day on April 11 and the agency's ninth annual "24-hour Swim/Bike/Run" for child abuse prevention on April 13-14.

In their proclamation, the commissioners pointed out children are the county’s most valuable resource and “they need our support to grow into healthy, productive adults.”

The three acknowledged that Richland County Children Services, since 1883, has been “been committed to helping future generations succeed, is focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of all families, and is partnering with local, state and federal agencies to improve the lives of children and their families.

“Every child deserves a nurturing family and a safe environment, free from fear, abuse, and neglect; … parents, guardians, relatives, and neighbors all share a responsibility to prevent child abuse and neglect, and our local government plays a critical role as well,” commissioners said in the proclamation.

Commissioners also pointed out RCCSB will plant 3,019 Pinwheels for Prevention on Wednesday outside the Mansfield Area YMCA, each signifying an investigation into child abuse and neglect in 2011. (Click here for a photo gallery from the planting effort.)

“The Richland County Commissioners, do hereby proclaim April 2012 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and we call upon all residents to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs,” the proclamation said.

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