Catoosa County DFCS raises awareness for child abuse prevention month
April is child abuse prevention month and the Catoosa County Department of Family and Children Services intends to bring more awareness of this issue to the community.
Each year, thousands of Georgia’s children are exposed to violence, abuse and neglect. These experiences put our children and ultimately our state at increased risk for poor health, learning and behavior outcomes. The good news is child abuse is 100 percent preventable. We all have a role to play in making sure our community is the best place for children and families to thrive.
During the month of April, Catoosa DFCS employees planted pinwheels in downtown Ringgold to represent calls the department responded to last year. In 2014, there were 861 reports of child abuse and neglect in Catoosa County.
The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign aims to be an uplifting reminder of childhood standing for hope, health and happiness, what we desire for all children. The pinwheels are a call to action and in seeing the pinwheel garden, taking a moment to recognize we all play a role in children’s lives, healthy child development and the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
On Tuesdsay, April 14, DFCS sponsored a Blue Ribbon luncheon for many community partners. Special guest speakers included interim director, Jonathan Sloan; deputy director of field operations, James Binnicker and DFCS deputy director, Virginia Pryor. Over 65 guests attended the lunch that will hopefully become a yearly tradition.
Attendees included juvenile judges, attorneys, DJJ staff, law enforcement, school personnel, day care providers, council members and local providers that all work daily with children across Catoosa.
On Friday, April 17, Gov. Nathan Deal declared a statewide “Go Blue” day, asking all citizens across the state to affirm their commitment to healthy communities, strong families, and great childhoods by wearing blue. Catoosa staff joined in this statewide movement.
In the state of Georgia, if you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the toll free report line at 855-GACHILD (855-4224453). Remember, there is no excuse for child abuse.