Child advocates move to ‘Wear Blue on the Steps’

Citizens at the forefront of advocating for children who are victims of abuse braved a chilly wind in their blue coats, shirts and sweaters as they stood on the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The “Wear Blue on the Steps” for Child Abuse Prevention Month event was hosted by the Montgomery Child Advocacy Project (MCAP) on Friday.

“April marks a significant time for advocates and communities to remember the work we need to do to prevent child abuse,” Mary C. Pugh, executive director of MCAP, addressed more than two dozen people who attended the event. “Child abuse has no boundaries. It affects children from all walks of life, socioeconomic statuses, religions, neighborhoods and families.”

Elected officials, including state representatives and county row officers, joined members of the county judiciary and child advocates at the event.

“Together, we are making a difference helping all children live safe, healthy, happy lives filled with hopes, dreams and love,” Pugh said. “In Montgomery County, we do stand together against child abuse.”

Formed in the late 1990s and officially becoming a nonprofit group in 2005, the child advocacy project is designed to provide free legal representation and social services to children who are victims of abuse and neglect.