SALISBURY — Representatives from multiple agencies and non-profit organizations spoke in front of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners on Monday about the work going on in the county to raise awareness for and help prevent child abuse and neglect in the community.

The presentation was part of the county’s efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“As we reflect on this Child Abuse Prevention Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting the innocence and well-being of our children. Together, we can create a community where every child feels safe, valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential,” said Shawn Edman, director of the Terrie Hess House Child Advocacy Center.

One of the main issues that the group is working on educating parents about is the need for safe sleep for children, said Amy Brown, executive director of Smart Start Rowan and the chair of the county’s Community Child Protection Team. Part of that push is a safe sleep display kit that will be displayed at events throughout the county to help raise awareness.

A report submitted by the Community Child Protection Team to the commissioners lists 28 child fatality cases that the team reviewed in 2023. Four of those deaths are listed as being caused by suffocation or strangulation in bed. Of the rest, seven of the deaths were due to prenatal issues or perinatal conditions, five were due to unique health conditions or illnesses, one was a suicide, one was a firearm accident, one was due to choking, one was COVID-19 related, one was due to exposure to natural cold, one was an accidental overdose and three were homicides that were still under investigation. Three more were ruled as undetermined.

“The data in (the commissioner’s) reports are concerning. The number of reports of child abuse and neglect continue to rise. The number of children entering foster care continues to rise as a result of abuse and neglect. The number of children receiving mandatory treatment because of abuse and neglect continues to rise. We’re very concerned about that,” said Micah Ennis, director of the Rowan County Department of Social Services.

The report given to the commissioners also provided recommendations for agencies and members of the community to help prevent future child abuse or neglect. Suggestions included education about human trafficking, safe sleeping, firearm safety, smoking during pregnancy and the opioid crisis as well as asking the commissioners to encourage evidence-based practice models for agencies that receive county funding.

Members of the team revealed during the presentation that the theme for this year will be “building a hopeful future together.”

“I think that is probably one of the most important duties that we have as a community. Working together, I think my friends (Brown and Edman) pointed out how important the public-private partnership is. The many agencies and organizations, our county services that we have, so many of us have to work together to build hope for those in our community who are depending on us,” said Ennis.