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SALISBURY — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Rowan County Department of Social Services is joining Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina and Prevent Child Abuse America in connecting with families, communities, prevention advocates and supporters to help create an ecosystem of primary prevention in the U.S. and emphasize the importance of building a narrative of hope for the future of children and families. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign is “Building A Hopeful Future, Together.”

Children who live in families with access to economic and concrete support are less likely to experience abuse and neglect. And yet, too often society can think of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone. This simply isn’t true. Community support and partnerships can help lighten the burden parents and caregivers face and strengthen families.

The Department of Social Services is charged with the responsibility of administering economic support for children and families who qualify, as well as protective services interventions when needed. Current societal issues make the provision of quality human and social services more important than ever. Many in the community face unemployment, homelessness, addictions, lack of medical care, abuse, neglect, domestic violence and hunger. Reacting to these issues in an appropriate, healthy and positive way is challenging for anyone but impossible for some unless they have assistance and support. Many people find themselves with no place to turn except to government agencies such as DSS. Complex human needs must be met, even when resources are scarce.

“We are committed to protecting children from abuse and neglect and doing what we can to enhance child and family well-being in our community,” said Roxie Cashwell, Social Work Services Program Administrator of the Rowan County Department of Social Services. “By coming together as a community and equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools to prevent child abuse, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.”

Together, the community can build a hopeful future for Rowan County children and their families. 

“As we unite in our efforts to protect and support children and families in Rowan County, we recognize the critical role of meaningful partnerships. Together, we can create a safer, brighter future for our children, where every child is nurtured, heard and protected from harm. By collaborating, we amplify our impact, ensuring that no child suffers in silence and every family receives the care and resources they need to thrive,” said Shawn Edman, executive director of the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center.

Go to https://terriehesscac.org/ to learn more about the community partner. 

“As a community, we recognize that our children are our shared responsibility,” said Amy Brown, Smart Start Rowan executive director. “We commit to working hand-in-hand with local organizations, businesses, and families to create a nurturing environment where every child thrives. By supporting one another, we can protect children, strengthen families, and build a brighter future for our community.”

For more information about resources at Smart Start Rowan, go to https://rowan-smartstart.org/.

This month, and all year long, anyone can help Rowan County Department of Social Services advance family-centered prevention programs and policies by taking action in the following ways:

• Join Rowan County Department of Social Services, 1813 E. Innes Street, Salisbury, at 4 p.m. on April 5 for a brief remarks and pinwheel planting event.
• Show support by wearing blue on April 5 for Wear Blue Day. Post a photo or video on social media and include the #WearBlueDay2024 and #PCANC hashtags.
• Learn about law and policy that impacts children and families and advocate for investments in child and family well-being if that seems appropriate.
• Follow Rowan County, Rowan County Public Health, the Terrie Hess Child Advocacy Center, Smart Start Rowan and any other public and non-profit organizations that serve children and families on social media. Encourage friends and family to do the same. If so inclined, use the hashtags #BuildingTogether, #PreventionInPartnership, #PCANC and #CAPMonth to signify commitment to helping children, families and entire communities to thrive.
• Plant a virtual pinwheel — a visual reminder of the world where all children grow up happy, healthy and are prepared to succeed.

For more ways to get involved in Child Abuse Prevention Month, go to www.PositiveChildhoodAllianceNC.org.