Pittsboro, NC – On March 21, 2022, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Chatham County Department of Social Services is calling attention to this issue that greatly impacts the lives of the county’s most vulnerable residents – its children. This year’s statewide theme is Growing better together, we CAN prevent child abuse, North Carolina!
“Children are vital to the future of our community, and we must do everything we can to foster their healthy growth and development,” said Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair Karen Howard. “Preventing child abuse and neglect is a responsibility that everyone shares, and I hope all Chatham County residents will do their part to ensure the children in their lives have safe, stable, nurturing homes and communities to thrive in.”
In 2021, the Chatham County Department of Social Services had 159 children in its care and accepted 299 reports of child abuse and neglect.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina both provide resources for families related to the impacts of child abuse and neglect. They recommend learning about, recognizing, and reporting child maltreatment; they provide online trainings for parents and community members; and they share an affiliation of agencies that develop a strong support network.
“Effective child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of collaborations among residents, schools, faith-based organizations, medical providers, and others,” said Chatham County Department of Social Services Director Jennie Kristiansen. “We encourage all Chatham community members to get involved by making connections, providing help to your neighbor in need, and making available services and programs in the community that provide treatment and support.”
Individuals who are concerned about the safety of a child, may contact the Chatham County Department of Social Services at 919-542-6988 or after hours at 919-542-2911. Everyone in North Carolina is mandated to report suspected child abuse or neglect and all reporter information is confidential.