The Livingston County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Livingston County.
The County believes that all children need safe, stable, nurturing homes and communities to foster their healthy growth and development. Child abuse and neglect result in physical and psychological trauma that survivors carry with them for the rest of their lives. During this month and throughout the year, Livingston County is dedicated to supporting families through prevention efforts, thereby reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect in local communities, said Livingston County Social Services Commissioner Tracy McCaughey.
“When we prioritize supporting and advocating strongly for our most vulnerable citizens, we strengthen the community as a whole,” said McCaughey. “I encourage everyone in our County to consider their role in promoting children’s well-being during Child Abuse Prevention Month and throughout the year.”
The County’s proclamation goes on to state:
· Prevention through practical measures and programs mitigate the factors contributing to child abuse and neglect and strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens, social service agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, health care providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community.
· Communities that make every effort to promote preventive programs that benefit children and their families and provide parents with the social support, knowledge of parenting and child development and concrete resources to help them cope with stress, make a strong commitment to reducing child abuse and ensuring all children grow to their full potential.
· Everyone in the community needs to be more aware of child abuse prevention and consider helping parents raise their children in a safe, nurturing environment.
· April is recognized as the month to bring awareness to the role that communities play to help reduce child abuse and neglect. By working together as a community, we can all play a part in strengthening families and promoting children’s well-being.
· The Livingston County Board of Supervisors does hereby proclaim April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and during this month and throughout the year, Livingston County is dedicated to supporting families through prevention efforts thereby reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect in the communities in which we live.
County officials encourage residents to immediately report any suspected abuse or maltreatment of a child using the statewide toll-free number 1-800-342-3720. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call TDD/TTY at 1-800-638-5163 or have their Video Relay System provider call 1-800-342-3720. Anyone who believes a child is in immediate danger should call 911 or their local police department.
For more information and resources regarding child abuse prevention, please visit the U.S Department of Health & Human Services website that offers resource tools for communities.
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