Department of Education hosts pinwheel planting ceremony in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month

Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today hosted the agency’s annual pinwheel planting ceremony at the Turlington Building in Tallahassee. The pinwheels will remain on the lawn through the month of April to symbolize the promise of the happy childhoods all children deserve.
“We each have a role in preventing child abuse and neglect in our communities, and Pinwheels for Prevention is a wonderful way to raise awareness about this very important issue,” said Commissioner Stewart. “I was proud to be joined by fellow state leaders and child advocates who share my belief that every child has the right to grow up in a safe and loving environment. I hope that the pinwheels we planted today serve as an ongoing reminder to our staff and visitors that we all have a great responsibility to Florida’s children.”
“It only takes one person to be a hero for a child. Anyone can open their home, volunteer in their community or advocate on behalf of vulnerable children,” said Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll. “To end the cycle of abuse we see far too often in families in crisis, we must all work together to build supportive communities that provide opportunities for every child to succeed.”
“Ensuring the health and well-being of every child is essential to Florida’s future,” said Zackary Gibson, Chief Child Advocate and Director of the Governor’s Office of Adoption and Child Protection. “With the support from the Department of Education, we will continue to work to enable each child to get a great education and achieve their full potential.”
“Children whose needs are met in the first five years are more likely to thrive. Those who are abused or neglected face a lifetime of challenges. The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign reminds us that everyone can take action to help ensure children live happy, healthy childhoods,” said Douglas Sessions Jr., president and CEO of the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida.
“As a teacher, I know how important it is to recognize the signs of child abuse,” said Jessica Solano. “Pinwheels for Prevention highlights the need for educators to be aware that their responsibilities extend beyond the classroom walls. As mandatory reporters, teachers need to be mindful of the children they interact with every day.”
Florida law requires everyone to report known or suspected child abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families, online here, by phone at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or via fax at 1-800-914-0004.
Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign that engages communities in a coordinated effort to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting the awareness of healthy child development, positive parenting practices and the types of support families need within their communities. For more information, visit Pinwheels for Prevention.