(UNDATED) – Child Abuse Prevention Month provides advocates across the state a chance to raise awareness of community efforts to stop child abuse and neglect. In recognition of this special occasion, the Indiana Department of Child Services will host an event to offer resources and educational materials to the public.
Gov. Holcomb will present a proclamation and speak to the need for all Hoosiers to band together in defense of at-risk children today at 12:30 p.m. on the Statehouse south lawn. DCS Director Terry Stigdon will discuss ways to make an immediate difference in your community. After a short presentation, attendees will be given pinwheels – the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month – to plant on the Statehouse lawn.
Local events will be held:
Daviess County Pinwheels for Prevention:
Join the Indiana Department of Child Services, Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and the Kids First Trust Fund to
recognize the role of the community in protecting Indiana’s most vulnerable youth.
April 12, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
East Side Park
310 NE 21st St.
Washington, IN 47501
There will be free food, giveaways including bicycles, a K9 presentation, face-painting, presentations by emergency personnel and radio personalities
Martin County Pinwheels for Prevention:
Easter Egg Hunt event in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
April 20, at 2 p.m.
Loogootee Park
700 Park St.
Loogootee, IN 47553
Presentation on child abuse prevention followed by Easter egg hunt with food and beverages, 2 bicycles with helmets will be given away as prizes.
Sullivan County Child Abuse Prevention Event:
Kickoff in courthouse followed by afternoon event at the Civic Center.
April 17, at 10 a.m.
Sullivan County Courthouse
100 Court House Square
Sullivan, IN 47882
Kids and Caregivers Community Resource Fair Event in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
April 17, at 5 p.m.
Sullivan Civic Center
344 N Main St.
Sullivan, IN 47882
Washington County Child Abuse Prevention Event:
Lunch and Learn
Learn about early recognition of signs of child abuse. Sponsored by Washington County DCS, St. Vincent Salem Hospital and the Washington County Prevent Child Abuse Council with speaker Erika G. Janes, RN
April 10 from Noon until 1 p.m.
Washington County Government Building
806 Martinsburg Rd.
Salem, IN 47167
Click here for an interactive guide on Child Abuse Prevention Month events in your community.
How can you help prevent abuse and neglect?
- If you suspect abuse or neglect, please call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800- 800-5556.
- Reach out to parents that you know and offer a hand or emotional support.
- Volunteer time to programs that help parents.
- Let all of the children in your life know that that they can depend on you.
- Advocate for community services to help families.
- Consider becoming a foster parent by visiting our website here.
For more information and resources on preventing child abuse and neglect, click here.
About Indiana DCS
The Indiana Department of Child Services engages with families and collaborates with state, local and community partners to protect children from abuse and neglect and to provide child support services. Indiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 800-800-5556. Child Support Customer Service Kidsline: 800-840-8757 or 317-233-5437. www.in.gov/dcs
