EATON — The Preble County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring April as “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in Preble County during their Wednesday, April 15 meeting, joining a nationwide effort to raise awareness of and prevent child abuse.
According to the proclamation, which was presented to representatives from Preble County Job and Family Services (JFS), there were more than 648 reports of child abuse and/or neglect reported in Preble County last year.
“Childhood is a formative time, and abuse and neglect have devastating long term effects on young lives that transcend into adulthood,” the proclamation reads. “And, whereas, adverse childhood experiences such as child abuse and neglect can negatively affect one’s mental and physical health for a lifetime. And, whereas these negative impacts may be substantially mitigated by having a trusted adult supporter during one’s childhood. And, whereas Preble County recognizes parents, family members, educators, public officials, and faith based organizations who share the responsibility to protect our youth and to ensure that children are safe and can grow up without fear of abuse and neglect to realize their full potential.”
According to the most recent data from Administration for Children and Families, there were 656,000 victims of child abuse and neglect in 2019, equating to a national rate of nearly nine victims per 1,000 children, though the number of victims decreased nationally by four percent from 2015 to 2019.
The proclamation goes on to say that Preble County is committed to raising children in a secure and loving environment where they can thrive, develop character and learn to be responsible citizens with the help of the community, and that the Preble County Board of Commissioners recognize the month of April 2021 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Preble County.
Additionally, the proclamation thanks Preble County Children’s Services and Prevent Child Abuse Ohio for raising awareness about child abuse in Preble County.
The proclamation encourages residents to become actively involved in protecting children and end the cycle of child abuse.
In other business
Also during this meeting, the board authorized payments to JFS ($3,005), Workforce Development ($11,537.39) and Children’s Services ($1,240; $2,170; $11,397; $10,726; $8,525).
An expenditure was approved for the engineer for the purchase of rebar to be used on various projects totaling $46,880. Under coronavirus relief, an additional expenditure was approved for the engineer for the purchase and delivery of a DJI M300 Combo Drone with necessary accessories and software totaling $44,673.
The board also noted receipt of a letter from Judge Overmyer regarding the resignation Preble County Juvenile Court CASA Director Mary Warrick.
A Child Placement Agreement was approved between Children’s Services and All For You 126, Inc., in the amount of $50,000.
The Preble County Board of Commissioners meet every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Preble County Courthouse. These meetings are open to the public.
