In the midst of the coronavirus public health crisis known as COVID-19, other important things can get overlooked. Child abuse and neglect are two of those critical issues that cannot be ignored.
Children often cannot speak for themselves when being abused and neglected. (Image Best Start Program Baby Boxes Banner Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Children’s Foundation website)
Today, April 6 is “Wear Blue Day” in Chaffee County. This is the day to act collectively, to raise awareness about the importance of strengthening families, and preventing child abuse and neglect. This is one day out of the entire month of April devoted to shining a light on the impact of early child abuse and neglect on outcomes for children. More information is available at: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonthChildren
Now in the midst of the COVID-19 health crisis the danger is ever greater for children in abusive homes. The combination of stressors: job loss, economic stress and stay-at-home orders are keeping children in abusive and unsafe home environments all day long, without the oversight and respite provided by school environments. A list of resources can be viewed here: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/covid-19-resources
The division of the Department of Human Services known as Chaffee County Family & Youth Initiatives is inviting Chaffee County residents to post images of family members and friends wearing blue at https://www.facebook.com/Familyandyouthinitiatives/ with the hashtag #WearBlueDayFYI.
All entries will be included in a drawing for gift cards at local restaurants/shops.
Recent Comments