Published: March 31, 2008 09:43 am         

Go blue for a child

By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

PALO PINTO COUNTY – To help raise awareness about the issues related to child abuse and neglect, the month of April has been designated “Child Abuse Prevention Month,” nationally as well as locally.

On Wednesday, the Texas Council of Child Welfare Boards and county child protective and child welfare boards across the Texas will acknowledge “Go Blue Day” to show support for child abuse prevention.

It’s intended as a time to encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

According to a proclamation declared by County Judge Mike Smiddy for Palo Pinto County, over 60,000 children are confirmed child abuse victims each year in Texas.

“I encourage all citizens to wear a blue shirt, dress, tie, or ribbon on Wednesday as an expression of unity and to promote the prevention of child abuse and neglect and to make the world a safer place for our children,” Smiddy stated.

The color blue was chosen to represent the bruised and battered bodies of thousands of children who are abused every day. The proclamation cites that in 2006 there were 227 Texas children who died from child abuse and neglect.

“We’re always supportive of raising awareness of a child being abused and being part of the solution,” said Smiddy.

“Locally last year, Children’s Protective Services averaged 40 investigations per month, resulting in 35 children currently in foster care,” said Palo Pinto County CPS Board member Connie Ball.

Ball added that there are around 15 Palo Pinto County families, with a total of 39 children, in the Family-Based Safety Services program, which means “CPS is working with them to keep those children with their families.”

For more information or to get involved with the Palo Pinto County CPS Board, contact Ball at (940) 325-0197 or Cheryl Berry at (940) 445-0797.

Whether witnessing a child left in a parked car, verbal abuse or domestic violence, “people often are afraid to be involved,” said Berry. She and Ball said that citizens may report suspected child abuse by calling the Child Abuse Hotline in Austin, at 1-800-252-5400 or visit www.thechildabusehotline.com.

To contact the local CPS office for information on child abuse prevention, call (940) 325-6959.