April 2024
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. Child Advocacy Center of West Central Ohio (CAC), a program of Crime Victim Services, encourages all individuals and organizations to support prevention efforts of child abuse and neglect in Allen County throughout the year and especially during April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Protective factors are the strengths and resources on which families rely as a shield from life’s stresses during difficult times. Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse decreases and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted. Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete supports.
Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility. We can all help prevent child abuse and neglect by ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, and by establishing meaningful connections with the families in our community.
In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Crime Victim Services is hosting a special free training on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.
The training will be held at the Lima Public Library on Wednesday, April 24 at 5:00 pm. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Details available on Facebook.
“Stewards of Children is an engaging, trauma informed training that allows adults to better understand not only the signs of abuse in children, but the practical things they can do to proactively protect children in their lives from abuse. It’s a training I hope every parent, teacher and caregiver has the opportunity to participate in,” said Erin Ostling Burkholder, director of Outreach & Prevention.
For more information about child abuse prevention programs and other resources, please visit Home | Allen County Children Services (allencsb.com)
2024 Community Child Abuse Prevention Month Events:
April 1 Flag Raising at 9 a.m. at Children Services 123 W. Spring St. Lima, Ohio 45801
April 10 Wear BLUE Contest
Take a fun picture of yourself, your coworkers, class or group wearing BLUE
Submit pictures to Allen County Children Services at Greg.Sowinski@jfs.ohio.gov
Winners will be announced April 24 on our agency Facebook page
April 10 Sara's Sweets will have BLUE cupcakes
April 11 Community for Kids Breakfast at Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center. Doors open at 7 a.m. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. RSVP required Greg.Sowinski@jfs.ohio.gov
April 20 Healthy Kids Day at the Lima Family YMCA
April 24 Stewards of Children Community Trainings
Free and open to the public. Register on Facebook
Dunkin' Donuts will have BLUE donuts all month Cable Road
