Commissioners Proclaim April Child Abuse Prevention Month

March 27, 2025

Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero, RCCS Executive Director Tara Lautzenhiser,                                Commissioner Cliff Mears, Commissioner Darrell Banks and RCCS Community                                                Engagement Support Paula Caldwell.   

The Richland County Commissioners signed a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month on Thursday, March 27.  The proclamation read during the meeting by Commissioner Tony Vero, was also signed by Commissioners Darrell Banks and Cliff Mears. Commissioner Vero presented the proclamation to Richland County Children Services Executive Director Tara Lautzenhiser.

Lautzenhiser provided an update to the commissioners about the agency’s work in 2024. Lautzenhiser said the agency provided services to 1,757 alleged victims. She said the agency screened in and investigated 1,120 allegations of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment, dependency and FINS (Family in Need of Assistance). 

The commissioners received information about the activities scheduled for the month, blue pinwheel cookies, blue ribbons and a blue pinwheel courtesy of RCCS. The Blue Pinwheels and Blue Ribbon are national symbols for child abuse prevention. That serve as a reminder that all of us have a responsibility in helping protect children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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