Daniel Prince
McMaster to make proclamation at event Thursday
Supervisor Frank Hart signed a proclamation recently declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. In fiscal year 2020-2021, there were 8944 founded Child Protective Services investigations with 15,980 children statewide. In Union County, there were 68 founded investigations with 110 children. The proclamation encourages Union County citizens to dedicate themselves to protecting the quality of life for every child. The proclamation states that the future prosperity and quality of life in our state depends on the healthy development of the 5803 children in Union County and the more than 1.1 million children statewide. It also states that preventing child abuse and neglect must be a priority for everyone to support the physical, emotional, social, and educational well-being of all children. It states that child abuse is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging consequences for society, as data show the link between child abuse and neglect and a wide range of costly medical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues into adulthood. It notes that parents and caregivers who have a support system of family and friends, who know where to find public resources, and understand how to remain resilient in challenging times are best equipped to provide safe, nurturing environments for their children. It also says that statewide and community prevention programs serve as proven and effective ways to reduce child abuse and neglect, no matter the geographic region, race or ethnicity, or economic status.
Governor Henry McMaster will hold his declaration event on Thursday at 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Governor’s Mansion in Columbia. With him will be DSS Director Michael Leach, SC Department of Children’s Advocacy Director Amanda Whittle, and Children’s Trust of SC CEO Sue Williams. More information about Child Abuse Prevention Month can be accessed at scchildren.org/capmonth