Event to recognize child abuse prevention efforts

The Child Protective Service teams in Clark County partnered with Clark County Schools Family Resource Centers to hold its third annual Child Abuse Prevention event for the families of Clark County.

April was first declared Child Abuse Prevention Month in 1983, and communities recognize the month as a time to bring everyone together to work to prevent child abuse, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

Julie Ferrell, Family Services office supervisor, said in an email, some common risk factors that lead to child maltreatment are:

— substance abuse and addiction

— untreated mental health

— domestic violence

— choosing inappropriate caretakers

— exposing children to dangerous situations or people

— overwhelmed parenting

— lack of resources to meet children’s needs

— lack of education and knowledge of parenting

— generational patterns of abuse and neglect

— child behavioral issues

Participating organizations will hold the free event at Campbell Junior High School from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 14. There will be an egg hunt planned along with food and music, door prizes and more, Ashley Cole, an intern with the Family Services Office, said.

Cole said there would also be several booths set up to provide information on the various resources and services offered in Winchester related to child abuse prevention.

“It’s so important to get awareness out there and for the community to see how they can help, for people in the community to know how they can report it if they see it,” Cole said. “Plus, it will be fun for families.”

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