(Posted April 9, 2020)
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.
On April 8, the Madison County Department of Job and Family Services (MCDJFS) joined other child protection agencies across Ohio for “Wear Blue to Work Day.”
The purpose of Child Abuse Prevention Month is to raise awareness about child abuse and how the community can assist in lowering occurrences.
For the past seven years, Madison County Children Services has hosted a free Child Abuse Prevention Carnival. Much like other events, the carnival had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Don’t worry. We plan to host the carnival later this year.
Instead of planting pinwheels on the Madison County Courthouse lawn and hosting the carnival, agency workers have been on the front lines working with families in need. The agency has received support and donations from local families and churches to assist the families of Madison County. In addition to performing their normal job duties, caseworkers are helping families navigate telehealth, fielding unemployment questions, picking up supplies, and providing families with items they may need.
Madison County Children Services knows that this is a very difficult time for families. The added stress and seclusion can increase a child’s risk of maltreatment. Extended family members and the community are the first line of defense for child protection. We want to continue to raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Julie Harris, LSW, ongoing supervisor, Madison County Department of Job and Family Services
