Buckeye Reporter

 The Clark County Department of Job and Family Services is hosting several events this month as part of national Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In 2021, the DJFS Family and Children’s Services division advocated for more than 3,500 children who may have experienced child abuse or neglect in our community. 

“Our community has always been responsive to the needs of our children,” said DJFS Director Virginia Martycz. “Reporting suspected abuse or neglect is one major step in making our community safer.”

The goal of Child Abuse Prevention Month is to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“These past two years have taken a toll on children’s mental health and stability,” said Family and Children’s Services Deputy Director Denise Estep. “Now more so than in years past, it is important for community members to advocate on behalf of children by offering support and making a referral if abuse or neglect is suspected.”

The division held its annual pinwheel planting at its Lagonda Avenue campus at 1 p.m. on April 4 and have dispersed pinwheels to 23 sites in the community to show support for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel is the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention.

On April 13, the division is encouraging employees, partners and community members to wear blue to work in support of child abuse prevention. 

To make a referral for suspected child abuse or neglect, call 937-327-1748. For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month events, call 937-327-1700.