The 9th Annual Child Abuse Awareness event was held Tuesday, April 16, at 10:30 a.m. The annual event sponsored by Logan County Protection and Permanency along with Logan County Foster/Adoptive Parent Association began at Carrico Square with the walk around the park and then on to the historic Courthouse. The ceremony began with introductions and proclamations. Assistant County Attorney, Elizabeth Teal, shared some information and duties of her office yet stated while her office is part of the process, our local Social Services Office employees are the ones that are on the “front lines” of the fight against Child abuse. This staff consists of: Supervisor, Susan Evans; Investigators, Amber Ledbetter, Ashlee Vega, & Kasey Reynolds; Ongoing workers, Tisha Curry & Rachel Shelton; Support Service Aid, Sonya Hampton; Office Support Administrator, Kristy Yates; and Foster Care Recruitment Worker, MaryBeth Langford. Commonwealth Attorney, Neil Kerr, read the proclamation which announced April as Child Abuse Prevention/Awareness Month, and it was signed by Russellville City Mayor, Mark Stratton, and Judge Executive, Logan Chick. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month since more reports of suspected child abuse/neglect are made during the month of April than any other month. The Russellville Independent School District has been represented by students at the event each year since it began, and had students attending again this year. Family Resource Youth Services Coordinators, Debbie Browder and Carol Kees, have always extended an invitation to everyone in hopes that each would consider making time in their busy day to walk over to the square to participate and show their support of the children throughout Logan County - our children who should never have to become familiar with the phrase, "child abuse". As is custom, blue ribbons and pinwheels were attached to the fence around the historic courthouse. Those blue ribbons represent a reported case of abuse/neglect in Logan County from the previous year. Each of those pinwheels represents a substantiated case of abuse/neglect in Logan County. Carol Kees said, “It's an ugly subject no one wants to talk about. It's an ugly subject we should all talk about and help to bring about awareness in an effort to bring it to an end.” Kentucky is a mandatory reporting state meaning everyone age 18 and older is legally bound to report any suspected abuse/neglect of a child. Reporting is NOT an option, it is legally required. Also, Carol Kees, Stevenson Elementary Family Resource Youth Services Coordinator, shared that the 5th Grade Class held their own project and collected 68 fleece throws, 13 stuffed animals, 155 boxes of crayons, 43 coloring books, and 102 toothbrushes for the Logan County Department of Protection and Permanency. We are so grateful for all this Department does to ensure our kids are safe.
(Additional photos can be seen on our facebook page)