April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ohio, and Allen County Children Services is working to “paint the town blue.”
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Allen County leaders and residents gathered at Lima Senior High School to raise a memorial flag and kick off Child Abuse Prevention Month. Officials emphasized the role of schools and the community in preventing abuse and urged residents to report suspected cases.
Allen County Children Services is asking taxpayers to renew the agency's $750,000 five year levy.
As a part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Allen County Children Services hosted a Community for Kids Breakfast. The event talks about the work that is being done in the county and recognizes those who work together to help children stay free from abuse and neglect.
Employees at Allen County Children Services and offices around the county were wearing blue to support those children who have faced abuse and neglect. Last year, Allen County investigated more than 830 reports of abuse and neglect. Officials say it's important for all of us to take part in the safety of the children in Allen County.
Officials say that we all have a responsibility to report suspected abuse or neglect of a child by making that phone call. Allen County received more than 830 reports of abuse and neglect that were screened and investigated in 2023. Officials say that you can help lower those numbers and protect a child by coming forward and making a report.
High school principal Chad Brinkman, and teachers Maureen Rentz and Karissa Hoersten were facing misdemeanor charges of child endangering. The charges stem from an alleged incident of neglect of a student that took place on May 4th, 2021. Their attorney argued that the prosecutors didn't have any evidence to proceed with the case and that the people who were going to be called to testify were not experts. The judge ruled to dismiss the case against the school employees.