Awareness ride for child abuse set for Monday

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a national effort to increase awareness of child abuse and the need for prevention efforts.

Several local groups are inviting the public to visit Spaulding Park from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday for a free family-friendly event meant to educate the community on child abuse prevention.

A pinwheel dedication with the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center was held in the Luzerne County Courthouse rotunda for child abuse awareness Friday. Doing anything to support children and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect of children.

The Child Advocacy Center serves as a safe place for victims of abuse and their families to speak with law enforcement as well as receive help with legal, mental health, medical, prosecution and other services.

The 5th Annual Children Are Our Future event at 66ers vs. Quakes baseball game is guaranteed to be a fun night out for the whole family!

That’s why DFPS’ Prevention and Early Intervention program is spending more than a million dollars on Help for Parents, Hope for Kids this year.

“All parents, myself included, face stress factors, and all parents get to a point of time where you doubt your parenting abilities”, said Jennifer Hartshorne of Prevent Child Abuse Florida.

Each pinwheel represents a confirmed case of child abuse that happened previous year. Also attending is Stacy Short, Child Protection Area Administrator with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and Capt. Timothy Tyler with the Illinois State Police. “It is a reminder of the great childhoods we want for all children”.

“We work very hard to make sure people report abuse, and I think we are getting that information out there”, said Hilton. “Children deserve to be safe and loved”. Participants will learn indicators of abuse and neglect as well as interventions for preventing abuse. Jenn Preston of the Douglas County Health Department said it starts with a conversation. The booth also will have information on preventing child abuse, vehicle seat safety, and Safe Sleep.