BY Delores L. Walker, Free Press Reporter

A Proclamation recognizing the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month was signed by Board Chairman Donnie Hamlin at Tuesday’s Commission meeting.



Wanda Crowe, Nursing Director with Lafayette Public Health Department said there were 46 children in Lafayette County identified as having been abused or neglected in reports closed during the fiscal year 2001-2002.



The proclamation stated several areas that affect an entire community when child abuse runs rampant.



Child abuse and neglect causes significant trauma to the abused and society, inflicting upon children serious illness and injury resulting in physical, intellectual, and emotional impairment, or death.



Statistics have shown that abused or neglected children are at a much greater risk of becoming abusive and neglectful parents.



On the positive side, we know that prevention service can reduce the cost society must bear in dealing with the results of child abuse and neglect and can help children and families avoid the over burdened and expensive social welfare and criminal justice system.



The Proclamation recognizes that all children deserve the opportunity to grow and thrive in healthful environments, free from threats of violence and harm.



Crowe said, this year’s theme is “Winds of Change” symbolized by colorful pinwheels.



The 46 pinwheels placed at the west corner of the courthouse lawn represent 46 children in this county that were depending on the adults in their lives…sadly they received abuse and neglect at the hands of those who should have shown them love and protection.



The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect, and Prevent Child Abuse America are working with children’s organization across the state to raise awareness about what each of us can do to help keep children safe.



You can provide a gateway to prevention by doing what you can to protect the children in your life and this community during April and throughout the year.



For more information contact the Child Abuse Prevention Project at (352) 334-1330.