Mandated reporter training, presentations throughout April
In the U.S., every six minutes a child is sexually abused; by the age of 18, one out of every four girls and one of out every six boys will suffer some form of sexual abuse. In 2010 an estimated 1,560 children died from abuse and neglect. During April, National Child Abuse Awareness Month, the Putnam County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) is joining National Children’s Alliance and thousands of its members and supporters across the country to bring attention to the issues of child abuse prevention and intervention. The CAC is launching a “Blue Ribbon Campaign — Their Future, Our Responsibility.”
“Everyone has the ability and responsibility to prevent child abuse,” said Marla Behler, program coordinator of the CAC. “We need to become more educated about how to recognize signs of abuse.”
The following events are planned for Child Abuse Awareness Month, culminating with the Eighth Annual Children’s Expo and Public Safety Fair on May 4:
- Protecting Your Child: Lessons Learned From Offenders” (free and open to the general public) Hope Forum VII hosted by Mahopac School District at Lakeview Elementary School in Mahopac, April 29
- Child Abuse Prevention Exhibit: April 1-5 Putnam Hospital; April 8-12 Mahopac Library; April 15-19 Patterson Library; April 22-30 Putnam Health Department
- April 16: Brewster Girl Scouts’ Internet safety presentation by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (for local scouts)
- Public service announcement created by Brewster Girl Scout Troop No. 2842 showing at various locations — to be announced
- Mandated reporter training for professionals at Training Operation Center in Carmel April 22 at 1 p.m. (Donald B. Smith Campus, 112 Old Route 6 Carmel)
For more information on local events related to National Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit putnamcountyny.com and under “Departments” select “Child Advocacy Center,” or visit nationalchildrensalliance.org.
