Mike Wolanin | The Republic Pinwheels to raise awareness for the prevention of child abuse are planted at the fountain in front of the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. building in Columbus, Ind., on Friday, April 1, 2016.
Child Abuse Prevention Month begins today, observed to encourage everyone to recommit to ensuring every child grows up in a safe, stable and nurturing environment free from abuse and neglect.
The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Bartholomew County, as well as its host agency Family Service, are planning activities throughout the month.
In Bartholomew County, there were 166 kids who became the subject of child abuse investigations in February, according to the Indiana Department of Child Services. Some were suspected victims of sexual or physical abuse, the IDCS website states. While there have been no reports of human trafficking, the agency says the most common form of child abuse in the Columbus area is neglect.
While the number of investigations in February were up from 143 in January, IDCS statistics shows 192 investigations reported in December. Lisa Teague of Family Service, Inc. said she found it disturbing that eight of the 25 cases substantiated in December involved sexual abuse. In November, there were 203 investigations that took place after 200 cases were looked into during October.
Although most investigations are labeled “unsubstantiated,” the IDCS states that designation often means there was simply insufficient evidence under state law or agency policy to conclude a child was abused or neglected.
As the first day of Child Abuse Prevention Month activities begins this morning, all local residents will be encouraged to be part of “Wear Blue Day.”
The 53rd annual Festival of the Young Child will be held at Donner Center today from 10 a.m. to noon. Each child that attends will get a free pinwheel from Family Service while supplies last. The festival games, activities, entertainment, and prizes geared toward kids 8 or younger are sponsored by the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department, as well as Children, Inc. All children must remain accompanied by an adult at the festival.
On Tuesday, Family Service personnel will be handing out pinwheels, as well as signs explaining their symbolic significance, from 5 to 7 p.m. The items will be handed out with a drive-thru in front of the main entrance to the Doug Otto United Way Center, 1531 13th St. Organizers ask that all vehicles approaching the building to pick up items be headed east toward Central Avenue.
Prizes will be awarded during a pinwheel-coloring contest, with entries being accepted through April 26th. Email [email protected] or [email protected] for contest details. The agency can also be reached by calling 812-372-3745.
Spotting abuse
Those wanting to take an active part against child abuse are urged to attend the Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention presentation. So far this year, 145 adults have received this prevention education including school administrators and educators.
Prevention educator Raina Jones said she hopes more parents will attend the two-hour training that begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11. The presentation will be held in the Family Service conference room at the United Way Building. Besides parents, grandparents or anyone 18 or older are invited, Jones said.
For a more detailed description of the Darkness to Light program, go online to www.d21.org or call the Family Service Inc. office.
Last year, the Child Abuse Prevention Council supplied 5,626 local children with an evidence-based bully prevention education that comes from a nationally recognized curriculum. The council has also provided 4,308 children in our region with an evidence-based body safety education program.
A new event this year is the Bumps and Babies Resource Fair, which teaches women how to remain healthy before, during and after pregnancy. Those attending the fair will also learn family health information, receive facts on breastfeeding, learn about car seat safety and about free resources in the community. The fair will take place on Thursday, April 20, from noon to 2 p.m. at Donner Center.
Prom time for grown-ups
Organizers are working hard to spread the word to the over-21 crowd that the 10th annual Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Adult Prom will be back on Saturday, April 22, from 7 to 11 p.m. in The Commons.
Maintaining public support for this event is a high priority because the Adult Prom is the one and only annual fundraiser for Family Service, Inc.
The Wizard of Oz-inspired theme for this year’s Adult Prom is “There’s No Place Like Prom.” Light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and deserts will be provided. While some couples might wear tuxedos and gowns, others should feel free to wear business casual attire if they wish, Jones said.
Individual tickets are $45 and available at the Family Service, Inc. office. For more details or to order tickets online, go to capprom.com
