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Chattooga FC Observes Child Abuse Prevention Month

The Chattooga Family Connection sponsored two events during April for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Members of the collaborative's CAPE (Child Abuse Prevention Education) committee prepared and delivered baskets of appreciation to the Trion and Summerville Police Departments, the county Sheriff's Department, the District Attorney's Office, Juvenile Judge Jerry Westbrook, and the county's Emergency Medical Services and 9-1-1 departments.

"These public servants face very difficult circumstances as they perform their chosen vocation," said Vicky Selman, Coordinator of the collaborative. "We wanted to show our appreciation for them helping children and families through these very difficult circumstances."

CAPE committee members also planted pinwheels on the courthouse lawn to represent the 146 cases of abuse and neglect confirmed for 2002 by the Chattooga County Department of Family and Children's Services. DFCS reported 251 confirmed incidences of child abuse and neglect for 2001. DFCS donated the pinwheels for the event.

The Rev. Dan Steere, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, led the assembly in prayer. Katie Haley of the Department of Juvenile Justice and Misty Blackwell of Even Start, co-chairs of the CAPE committee, read a statement describing child abuse and neglect:

"The average citizen isn't aware of how serious the problem of child abuse and neglect is in our community. The purpose of this event is to show the public how truly frightening the problem is and to focus on ways to prevent these incidents from occurring. Especially during the month of April, we want to increase awareness in Chattooga County that child abuse is a deadly problem that must be eliminated. It is only through a united effort of concerned citizens, civic groups, businesses and others that this serious problem of child abuse and neglect can be solved."

Nearly 40 people attended and received brochures about child abuse and neglect to share with others at churches, businesses or civic group meetings. A local businessman donated a banner for the event.

The Chattooga Family Connection offers to the public a library of videos on child abuse and neglect. For more information call the Chattooga Family Connection at (706) 857-7917.

During a recent visit to Summerville, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey (left) talks to Chattooga Family Connection Coordinator Vicky Selman about the pinwheels placed on the courthouse lawn for National Child Abuse Awareness Month. As a member of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Congressman Gingrey helped pass the Amber Alert Bill, which involves early notification of missing or kidnapped children.

Members of the CAPE committee prepare baskets of appreciation. Pictured (l. to r.) are: Chattooga Family Connection Coordinator Vicky Selman, DFCS staff member Delight Pruitt, Carla DeBerry of the Health Department, Misty Blackwell of Even Start, Susan Hegwood of Summerville Elementary School's REA grant, and Family Advocate Vernon Johnson.