April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Child Services, in partnership with The Villages, kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month with a virtual event featuring Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, Director Terry Stigdon, The Villages CEO/President Sharon Pierce, Prevent Child Abuse America CEO/President Dr. Melissa Merrick and special guest speaker Sharvonne Williams.

Williams took guardianship of her little brother to prevent his entry to the child welfare system.

Presenters emphasized the impact child abuse has on all Hoosiers and our shared duty to ensure Indiana’s children are safe.

“April is a time to celebrate and focus on the important role we all have to play in protecting children and supporting families,” Stigdon said. “Kids do best when they’re with their families, and families do best in strong, safe and supportive communities. This is a time for us to work together to make sure parents have what they need to help every child reach their full potential.”

Throughout April, DCS and its community partners will host virtual events across the state to highlight ways everyone can help make Indiana a better place for Hoosier children to grow up.