The Department of Children and Families (Department) Secretary [Read more…] about Department of Children and Families and Partners Kick Off Child Abuse Prevention Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Governor Ron DeSantis Recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Appoints First Lady Casey DeSantis as Chair of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet
Governor Ron DeSantis, in celebration of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, today announced the appointment of First Lady Casey DeSantis as Chair of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Governor Scott Proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Events statewide will raise awareness to prevent child abuse
Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is teaming up with community partners across Florida to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month. DCF will host and participate in statewide events designed to educate and engage communities in protecting the state’s most vulnerable children.
Governor Scott said, “I’m proud to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Florida. As a father and a grandfather, I know how important it is that Florida’s children have a safe and caring home. By raising awareness and staying active in our communities, we can all make strides to prevent child abuse.”
DCF Secretary Mike Carroll joined First Lady Ann Scott this morning to kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month by planting a pinwheel garden at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I’m honored to launch the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign to promote healthy, happy childhoods for Florida’s children. As I visit with students throughout the state, I’m reminded of the important role we all play in helping children thrive. I truly believe that every child deserves a loving and supporting home to grow and learn, and I encourage all Floridians to engage in activities that strengthen our families and communities.”
“By focusing on healthy child development and getting involved in our communities, we can ensure Florida’s children are safe, healthy, and thriving,” DCF Secretary Carroll said. “Whether you are able to open your home to a child as a foster or adoptive parent, become a volunteer in your community, advocate for a child, or find some other way to get involved, everyone can do something to contribute.”
Florida’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign will also be recognized statewide, emphasizing the importance of healthy child development and positive parenting practices. The blue and silver pinwheels, which symbolize the happiness of childhood and vast opportunities for bright futures, will be displayed at local businesses, public offices, and schools across the state.
“All children deserve the opportunity to live healthy, happy childhoods,” said Chris Lolley, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida. “Every Floridian plays a role in supporting families and helping them thrive. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we urge individuals, groups, and communities to commit to taking simple actions that can make a difference in the life of a child.”
“Our goal throughout this month is to educate our communities on what child abuse looks like and how you can prevent it, as well as the services available to families in need,” said Florida Coalition for Children Board Chair Shawn Salamida, Director of FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview. “The key to abuse prevention is a community focus on building strong families where children are not only safe but thrive.”
Statewide events and campaigns will serve to educate and engage Florida’s families and communities, advocating for the improvement of prevention and recovery efforts in order to protect the lives of vulnerable children.
Follow #Pinwheel and #GreatChildhoods on Twitter and Facebook to see photos of child abuse prevention events and pinwheel gardens from around the state. To find a Child Abuse Prevention Month event in your area, visit www.ounce.org/CAPevents.asp.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, Florida Relay 711 or TTY 1-800-453-5145, or report online at www.floridaabusehotline.com.
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.
