April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the impact of child abuse and neglect, while advocating for prevention efforts, according to a news release.
The Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services is urging residents to support Building Better Childhoods by positively impacting the lives of young people through personal involvement and advocacy, the release said.
“Child abuse and neglect are preventable,” said Jacqueline Fletcher, director of the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services in the release. “We know children flourish best when they are with their families and that there are many stressors that can lead to challenges to parent safely.
“We want everyone in our community to be a part of the support system for our children. By helping parents and families, we can prevent abuse and neglect.”
On April 10, Cuyahoga County staff will wear blue to recognize a statewide awareness campaign highlighting Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Cuyahoga County residents were encouraged to wear blue April 10 to show support for preventing child abuse, the release said.
Take a photo with your family, coworkers, friends and others wearing blue.
Share the photo on social media and use the hashtag #CuyahogaWearsBlue.
Members of the public are invited to join Cuyahoga County staff and community groups April 24 for the Building Better Childhoods 5K Walk.
The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Jane Edna Hunter building at 3955 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland, travels to the County’s Administrative Headquarters at 2079 East 9th St., and back.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about child abuse and emphasize the community’s role in protecting children, the release said.
Participants are encouraged to wear blue.
Consider donating your time and/or resources to organizations that work with children and families, the release said.
The Division of Children and Family Services partners with various organizations, including foster care agencies, mentoring programs and family support services who need volunteers.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, report it immediately to the Division of Children and Family Services or local law enforcement, the release said.
By reporting your concerns, you can help protect the child and provide them with the support they need to heal and recover, the release said.
You can offer support to struggling parents by offering to babysit, providing a meal or connecting them with resources and services in the community, according to the release.
Another way to make a difference is by becoming a foster parent, providing a safe and loving home for children in need, the release said.
For more information on the Building Better Childhoods campaign, contact the Division of Children and Family Services Outreach office at 216-881-4150 or DcfsOutreach@jfs.ohio.gov.
