The Charleston Job Corps Center operated by Horizons Youth Services recognized National Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 23, 2015 at the center. April was designated as the national observance month by President Obama who stated,

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities that help prevent child abuse and provide for children’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs”- Barak Obama.

In observance of National Child Abuse Prevention month, students from the Charleston Job Corps Center posted pinwheels at the center’s entrance. Pinwheels are used as symbol to bring awareness to the cause. Student participants include Tamara Evans, Xenobia Brown, Raven Thompson, Audrey Liggins IV, Chris Newsome and Tiara Mosley under the direction of Tia Welch, BCL.

Child abuse and neglect is an alarming epidemic in the United States. According to www.childhelp.org “Every year more than 3 million reports of child abuse are made in the United States involving more than 6 million children (a report can include multiple children). The United States has one of the worst records among industrialized nations – losing on average between four and seven children every day to child abuse and neglect.” Alarmingly “a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds” according to statistics.

The health and well-being of children and families is significantly important. To gain more information please go to www.childwelfare.gov for topics such as Keeping your family strong, Preventing Child sexual abuse, Human trafficking, Connecting with your teen, Military families and more.