Paulding Child
Advocacy Center
Prevention
Intervention
Advocacy
In light of the health concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19, our office is taking extra precautions for the safety of our clients, staff, and community partners. The office, specifically public use spaces, will be cleaned and disinfected as thoroughly as possible between each family's visit.
April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month!
National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. During the month of April and throughout the year, communities around the nation are encouraged to increase awareness, and to provide education and support to families. The President, as well as state and local officials, proclaim April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month each year. These proclamations serve to encourage public awareness of child abuse and neglect, recommit resources to the cause, and promote community involvement through local activities. Below is information about some of the activities and events that Paulding CAC was involved in for April 2022's Child Abuse Prevention Month!
Pinwheels for Prevention® is a national public awareness campaign during Child Abuse Prevention Month (CAP Month) every April, designed by Prevent Child Abuse America to communicate efforts and change the way states think about prevention.
The 1-800-CHILDREN Helpline is an information and referral line for caregivers and professionals looking for supportive programs in their area. Callers can talk to a trained individual who cares and wants to help.
WHAT'S WITH THE BLUE RIBBON?
The Blue Ribbon is the national symbol associated with child abuse prevention. It is a campaign that had a small but powerful beginning in Virginia in 1989. Bonnie Finney tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van to “make people wonder” – to encourage them to ask her what it was for. The story she told to inquisitive community members was a tragic story about the abuse of her grandchildren which ultimately led to the brutal death of her grandson.
The story of Bonnie Finney demonstrates the effect that just one concerned citizen can have on raising public awareness of child abuse and in promoting prevention. Since Bonnie Finney first tied that blue ribbon to her van antenna in 1989, millions of people across the country have participated in Child Abuse Prevention Month efforts by putting out blue ribbons in/around their homes and businesses, pinning blue ribbons to their clothing, and even tying blue ribbons to their antennas just like Bonnie. Each year, more people join the effort by displaying blue ribbons, encouraging others to wear and display them, and by getting involved in community activities to “make people wonder” about the significance of the Blue Ribbon.
PINWHEEL COLORING CONTEST
This was our 5th year holding the Pinwheel Coloring Contest for local elementary schools. Students were asked to color their pinwheel coloring sheet and include a message of hope and encouragement for someone who has been hurt. We've collected pinwheels from all 19 elementary schools in Paulding County. Judges selected 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from each school. Those winners received a medal and their artwork framed. Judges also selected a grand prize winner who was presented a plaque recognizing her contribution to this year's child abuse prevention and awareness efforts!
Check out our Facebook page to see photos of contest winners and their coloring pages!
