The Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County wants everyone to know that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Our goal is to raise awareness of this widespread issue, while working with our community in helping to raise happy and healthy children.  A blue ribbon is the international symbol for Child Abuse Prevention. The color blue was chosen to represent the bruised and battered bodies of the thousands of children that are abused everyday. It serves as a constant reminder that all of us have a responsibility to help keep children safe. You can join in honoring all children and in promoting the prevention of child abuse and neglect. To recognize Child Abuse Prevention month, the Children’s Advocacy Center provides a month of activities that include:

• Every Saturday in April: Help prevent child abuse & neglect by eating at Preppers any Saturday in April! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County! Call 947-7737!
• March 31st, 8:00 pm: ASU’s Chi Alpha acknowledges Child Abuse Prevention Month through “Pinwheels & Proclamations” by placing pinwheels on the courthouse lawn to create awareness of the 516 CONFIRMED VICTIMS of child abuse and neglect that occurred in Tom GreenCounty in 2009. Up from 373 in 2008 (38% increase). MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND
• April 7th: “Go Blue Day”; Don’t forget to wear blue today as a constant reminder of abused and neglected children. Everyone is encouraged to wear blue to show support for child abuse prevention. Almost 70,000 children were confirmed abuse victims in 2009 in Texas (516 in Tom Green County). 280 Texas children died from abuse and neglect . Wear a blue shirt, dress, tie, or ribbon to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.
• April 15, 6:00pm-9:00p: The Parent Project classes 10 week sessions are for caregivers of children 11-17 registration required, space is limited. These supportive and educational classes are taught by trained professionals and help to increase healthy communication in the family, while providing parent focused services and youth life skills. Free childcare is provided. Please register by calling 653-HOPE (4673)
• April 15 & 16th, 8am-5pm: The Children’s Advocacy Center hosts Advanced Techniques in Joint Child Abuse Investigations at First United Methodist Church. Brought to you by the Shaken Baby Alliance. This training is a “must” for anyone who works in Law Enforcement, CPS and Child Care Licensing, First Responders, Attorneys & Legal Personnel, Social Workers, Medical Personnel, Child Advocate, and professionals involved in child abuse cases. Click to register http://www.shakenbaby.com/Home/TrainingForm/tabid/115/Default.aspx MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND
• April 18th, 2:-00 to 5:00 pm: The Concho Valley Family Alliance, a program of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Tom Green County hosts the 5th Annual “Picnic in the Park” at Kirby Community Park located on Edmund & 29th St. FREE food & drink, entertainment, mascots, field games, info on resources for your family, prizes, giveaways and more. All community is invited to attend. Call 653-4673 to for more information. MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND
• April 21st, 11am-1pm: “CASA Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon”. This luncheon will honor the CASAs who commit their time, energy and hearts to helping abused and neglected children. MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND
• April 26-29 & May 3-May 6, 5:30 to 9:00pm: Court Appointed Special Advocate training begins this week! Call 653-4673 to apply or go to www.cactomgreen.org for application.
• Ongoing & available every Thursday: Parent focused groups and in-home services. Groups through Parents Anonymous® are available every Thursday evening from 6:00-7:30pm at First United Methodist Church located at 37 E. Beauregard. Free of charge, free childcare provided. Any person in a parenting role is invited to attend. Parents talk and problem-solve with other parents about parenting and life issues and challenges. No registration is required and you may attend as much or as little as you like!
  
  While protecting children is part of our agency’s mission, preventing child abuse is everyone’s responsibility. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please report to law enforcement in immediate emergency, and call the CPS hotline at 1-800-252-5400. Child abuse is any physical injury, physical neglect, emotional injury or sexual act inflicted upon a child. There are several indicators, including a child’s behavior, which may indicate that a child has been abused. Together we can make this world a safer place for our children. For more information about the Children’s Advocacy Center programs and volunteer opportunities, please call 653-HOPE or go to www.cactomgreen.org