April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
March 28, 2025
Photo: Child Welfare Information Gateway
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Richland County Children Services (RCCS) encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Richland County a better place for children and families. We highlight the resilience of families and uplift the vital work being done throughout Richland County to keep children safe and families together.
This year’s theme is “Doing Things Differently: Believing in Communities.” This theme reflects the idea that communities can come together to support family well-being rather than focus only on responding to incidents of child abuse and neglect. The well-being of children cannot be separated from the well-being of their families and communities.
Some of the most effective prevention efforts work at the community level, strengthening the family’s social network and utilizing that network as a source of support. All families should also have access to tailored prevention programs and services. When a community supports its parents and children, it is easier for all families to thrive. When families thrive, communities thrive.
By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by making meaningful connections with children, youth and families in our communities.
“Preventing child abuse and neglect is crucial for ensuring the healthy development and well-being of children. Children are vulnerable and rely on adults for protection, care, and nurturing. Abuse and neglect can have long-lasting emotional, physical, and psychological effects, often resulting in trauma that can affect a child’s ability to learn, form healthy relationships, and thrive in life. By preventing child abuse and neglect, we can foster safer, more supportive environments where children can grow into confident, resilient adults. Early intervention, awareness, education, and community support are key to stopping abuse before it starts, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to live a life free from harm, “said Tara A. Lautzenhiser, Executive Director, Richland County Children Services.
To help spread awareness for child abuse prevention, Richland County Children Services (RCCS) is teaming up with Malabar Intermediate School for a rally and the YMCA of North Central Ohio – Mansfield Branch for “Pinwheels for Prevention.”
RCCS staff placed 1,120 Blue Pinwheels on the lawn of the Mansfield YMCA at 750 Scholl Road. The 1,120 Blue Pinwheels represent every report of abuse or neglect received by the Agency in 2024.
“The YMCA is proud to support the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse prevention and promoting the health, safety, and well-being of children in our communities. As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening families and supporting young people, the YMCA is excited to stand with organizations across the nation in promoting positive childhood experiences and building brighter futures for all children,” said Cristen Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of North Central Ohio.
Richland County Children Services (RCCS) is also inviting individuals, churches, organizations, businesses, and schools to tie a blue ribbon on their door, mailbox, tree or fence during the month of April.
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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