HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 03-17-2026; 4-a - Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 17, 2026
Action Agenda
Item No. 4-a
SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proclamation Brittany Mann, 919-245-2746
Lindsey Shewmaker, 919-245-2817
PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring April 2026 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 fiscal year 2024-2025,
526 reports of suspected child maltreatment were assessed in Orange County. For the State of
North Carolina, there were 57,750 reports assessed within the same period. Currently, 80 children
are in the custody of Orange County Social Services due to serious abuse and neglect issues
within their families. In December 2025, there were 11,181 children in 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.
Everyone is encouraged to Wear Blue on Friday, April 10, 2026 in recognition of Child Abuse
Prevention Month. Social Services is planning to provide awareness materials to community
members at the Sportsplex Family Fun Day on April 11, 2026.
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.
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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 (e.g., veterans, unhoused people, foster children,
older adults, etc.).
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
Chair to sign the proclamation declaring April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Orange
County.
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ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH
April 2026
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 2024-2025, 526 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 2026 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and call upon all
residents to join together to prevent child abuse.
THIS IS THE 17t" DAY OF MARCH, 2026.
Jean Hamilton, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners