LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Stopping child abuse is the mission of Allen County Children Services, with the support of the community.
City and county officials, staff from ACCS, and concerned citizens gathered for the agency’s annual flag-raising ceremony to mark the beginning of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Coniah Burklund and Madilyn Grundisch assisted the Lima Fire Department in raising the flag.
City and county officials, staff from ACCS, and concerned citizens gathered for the agency’s annual flag-raising ceremony to mark the beginning of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
To put the issue into perspective, one in 13 children in Allen County—equivalent to one student in every classroom—has been neglected or abused. While Children Services works to help these children and their families, ending abuse and neglect requires the assistance of the entire community.
“We rely completely on the community to make reports of abuse and neglect, and then with those reports, we respond and hopefully can intervene when bad things are happening to kids,” said Sarah Newland, executive director of ACCS. “We are so fortunate to live in a community that understands and takes responsibility for protecting children.”
The Children’s Memorial Flag is flown to honor every child lost to abuse and to serve as a symbol of protection for all children.
The Children’s Memorial Flag is flown to honor every child lost to abuse and to serve as a symbol of protection for all children. Community members are encouraged to wear blue on Tuesday, April 8, in recognition of the month.
