HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 04-02-24; 4-a - Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: April 2, 2024
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Brittany Mann, Social Work Program
Manager, 919-245-2746
Nancy Coston, Director, 919-245-2802
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
BACKGROUND: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Social
Services and other community organizations are concerned about the continued incidence of child
abuse and neglect in Orange County and in the state of North Carolina. In the fiscal year 2022-
2023, 556 reports of suspected child maltreatment were assessed in Orange County. For the
state of North Carolina, there were 61,624 reports assessed within the same period. Currently, 89
children are in the custody of Orange County Social Services due to serious abuse and neglect
issues within their families. In January 2024, there were 10,803 children in the custody of social
services across the state.
Most child abuse and neglect issues reported to Social Services involve substance use, domestic
violence, unsafe discipline, supervision, or care of children. Social Services is working to increase
education and awareness of these issues and to try to find strategies to improve the safety of
children in the community.
Community members can make a difference in the life of a child by making connections. Lending
a helping hand or listening ear to a parenting neighbor or friend can help alleviate stress and
provide a positive impact on a child's life. Increasing social connection and providing concrete
support are integral protective factors.
Parents, grandparents, and family members can ensure children are safe in their care by properly
securing firearms and ensuring all medications or potentially harmful substances are inaccessible
to children.
Social Services and the County Health Department will be providing awareness materials to
community members at the Health on the Block event at Hargraves Park on April 6, 2024, and at
the Sportsplex Family Fun Day on April 20, 2024. Social Services will also be providing Pinwheels
for Prevention and Child Abuse Prevention Month signs to be displayed outside of public
elementary schools in Orange County.
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The Board of Commissioners is asked to support this effort and to encourage the community to
become more aware of the issues impacting children and families.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation designating April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange
County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
April 2024
WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a serious problem affecting every segment of our
community, and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and
WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2022-2023, 556 reports of suspected child maltreatment were
assessed by child protective services in Orange County; and
WHEREAS, child abuse can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical
effects that have lasting consequences for victims of abuse; and
WHEREAS, children who are loved and nurtured grow up to be healthy, creative, and
productive community members; and
WHEREAS, it is the goal of Orange County to improve the quality of life of all children
who live here; and
WHEREAS, we acknowledge that we must work together as a community to increase
awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-
being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment;
NOW, THEREFORE do we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina, hereby proclaim April 2024 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and call upon all
residents to join together to prevent child abuse.
THIS IS THE 2nd DAY OF APRIL, 2024.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners