Special to 1812Blockhouse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Richland County, and the month is full of events that highlight awareness of this serious problem which can be found county-wide. Events include:
Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick Off, Richland County Courthouse, 50 Park Ave E, Commissioners Board Room, Thursday, March 31, 9:30 AM. The Richland County Commissioners will present a Proclamation in observance of April being National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Proclamations will also be issued by the cities of Mansfield, Ontario, Shelby, and villages of Bellville, Butler, Lexington, Lucas, Plymouth, and Shiloh.
Blue Ribbons/Blue Ribbon Trees for Prevention, April 1. Blue ribbons will be on display in downtown Mansfield for Child Abuse Prevention Month courtesy of RCCS, the city of Mansfield, the Mansfield United Lions Club and Tara’s Floral. The community can participate by displaying blue ribbons on a tree, door, fence, on your vehicle or mailbox. The blue ribbon is the international symbol for child abuse prevention. Participants can take pictures of their blue ribbons/blue ribbon trees and send them via email to [email protected] for publication on the agency’s website and Facebook page.
Fun Family Night at the Mansfield Carrousel, April 1, from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Join Richland County Children Services for an evening of fun at the Mansfield Carrousel as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Enjoy free rides, blue ribbon cookies, treats and more courtesy of Richland County Children Services.
Easter Drive-Thru Celebration, April 2, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. Mansfield Parks & Recreation, RCCS and community partners will host an Easter Drive-Thru Celebration at South Park located at 100 Brinkerhoff Ave. Families are invited to come out and see the Easter Bunny. Each child in attendance will receive an Easter bag, small toys, and treats. Participants will be required to stay in their vehicles during their visit.
Wear Blue Day Wednesday, April 13. Wear Blue Day is an annual statewide event to spread awareness on the important issues of child abuse, neglect and dependency. On this day local businesses, offices, schools, agencies, factories, retail outlets and media partners are asked to Wear Blue to show unity against child abuse and neglect. Participants can take pictures of themselves, their group, classmates or co-workers wearing blue and send them via email to [email protected] for publication on the agency’s website and Facebook page.
Free Blue-Ribbon Cookie -Wear Blue Day, April 13 at Buckeye Bakery. RCCS has teamed up with Buckeye Bakery for Wear Blue Day on Wednesday, April 13th, to give the first 150 customers wearing blue a free cookie in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Central Park Gazebo Goes Blue, April 1 – April 30.The Central Park Gazebo will be lit in blue lights in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities go to richlandcountychildrenservices.org. Please call the Richland County Children Services 24-hour child abuse hotline at 419-774-4100 to report child abuse and neglect.
