HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-18-2025; 4-b - Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 18, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-b
SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Lindsey Shewmaker, 919-245-2817
Brittany Mann, 919-245-2746
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
BACKGROUND: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Social
Services (DSS) 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 Fiscal Year
2023-2024, 574 reports of suspected child maltreatment were assessed in Orange County. For
the state of North Carolina, there were 58,419 reports assessed within the same period. Currently,
61 children are in the custody of Orange County Social Services due to serious abuse and neglect
issues within their families. As of December 2024, there were 10,899 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 identify 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 the firearms and ensuring all medications or potentially harmful substances are
inaccessible to children.
DSS encourages all individuals to "Wear Blue" on Friday, April 4, 2025, to kick off Child Abuse
Prevention Month. Social Services is planning to provide awareness materials to community
members at the Sportsplex Family Fun Day on April 5, 2025.
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The Board 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.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 3. Provide social safety net programming and the resources needed for our
most vulnerable community members.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange
County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
April 2025
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 2023-2024, 574 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 to continue to promote the social and emotional well-
being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment;
NOW, THEREFORE we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina, hereby proclaim April 2025 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and call upon all
residents to join together to prevent child abuse.
THIS IS THE 18th DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners