Child Abuse Prevention Month proclaimed

The Highland County Commissioners declared April 2012 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, with the theme for Highland County’s prevention campaign set as “You Make A World Of Difference.”

Attending the proclamation signing during the March 28 commissioners' meeting were Debbie Robbins, Rebecca Souther, Melissa Anderson, Wendy Fairley, Lynn Boose and Jeff Rulon.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and a time to increase community awareness for child abuse prevention while highlighting the successes of families, children and community professionals. During 2011, nearly 411 children were served by Highland County Children Services. Some of these children were placed in agency foster care for a variety of issues including physical abuse, neglect of care, sexual abuse, domestic violence and substance abuse.

Highland County joins all 88 Ohio counties participating in Pinwheels for Prevention as a kickoff to Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

"Pinwheels for Prevention: Pause for a Child" is a statewide campaign organized by the Ohio Children's Trust Fund to promote awareness and prevention of child abuse.

This year's campaign encourages the community to make a difference for the families you touch by turning your influence into action. Make children a priority and take time to focus on prevention.

During the month of April, hundreds of colorful pinwheels (247) will be displayed on the Highland County Courthouse lawn. Each pinwheel represents one reported case of child abuse and neglect in Highland County in 2011. This campaign will show the public, in a very dramatic way, that child abuse and neglect continues to pervade the community.

The community is invited to assist with the "planting of the pinwheels," which will occur on Monday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m.