Communities play a vital role in helping to prevent child abuse and neglect, so throughout the month of April, KVC Kentucky staff proudly participated in multiple events across the state to help raise awareness during Child Abuse Prevention Month. Many of our staff were involved in the following:

• attending the annual Pinwheel Planting in the lawn of the Kentucky Capital in Frankfort. The pinwheel is used to symbolize child abuse prevention. Over 3,000 pinwheels were put in the ground that day in honor of child abuse prevention.
• meeting Attorney General Andy Beshear to discuss the importance of child welfare and education.
• visiting the Rowan County Courthouse for the Child Abuse Prevention Month proclamation and working to pass legislation that benefits our most vulnerable populations.
• attending the Conversation on Collaboration in Child Welfare forum with Kentucky Department for Community Based Services.
• participating in Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky’s (PCAK) Annual “Wear Blue Day” and running in their Commit to Prevent 5K.

Scroll through this photo slideshow:

Did you know…

• 702,000 children were substantiated victims of child abuse or neglect in 2014 with data consistently showing that more than 1 in 10 children and youth experienced at least one form of child abuse or neglect in the past year.
• More than 1,500 children died in the United States in 2014 from abuse and neglect.
• The financial costs for victims and society are substantial. A CDC study showed that the total lifetime estimated financial cost associated with just 1 year of confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect is $124 billion.

KVC Kentucky acknowledges the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect. During the month of April and throughout the year, we encourage communities to spread awareness of child abuse prevention strategies and activities in order promote prevention across the country.

Thank you to our amazing team for proudly representing KVC in our community at these events and everyday!

To learn more about the work KVC Kentucky is doing in your community and upcoming events, click here. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.