Any time a child is abused or neglected, it is a tragedy. Just last year, the Children’s Advocacy Center of South Arkansas (CAC) served 245 children because of abuse. The month of April is recognized across the nation as Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is a time to come together as a community to increase awareness and provide education and support to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
“It takes all of us – organizations, governmental agencies, businesses, communities, neighborhoods, faith-based groups and individuals – to join together to prevent child abuse,” Executive Director Robin Krneta said. “When we support families, we become a stronger, more resilient community, and children grow up happy, healthy and safe.”
What happens in childhood can last a lifetime. We know that childhood adversity can have long-lasting negative health effects into adulthood. Science shows that healthy, happy and thriving children have better odds of becoming healthy and happy adults, which is what we all want.
The CAC of South Arkansas is joining prevention partners across the state and planting pinwheel gardens to show their commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect. The blue pinwheel is the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing the happy, healthy childhoods all children should have.
“As Arkansas strives to give every child the opportunity to grow up healthy and happy, we know we must all work together,” Krneta said. “There is no single public agency, community organization or individual that can ensure success for our children. Together we grow a better tomorrow for Arkansas.”
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the statewide Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1.844.SAVE.A.CHILD or 1.800.482.5964. For more information on the Children’s Advocacy Center of South Arkansas, visit www.southarkchildren.com.