April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Join St. James Family Center, Washington Council for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and others across the state in promoting the use of the blue ribbon to show public support for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

The Blue Ribbon campaign is gaining momentum both here in Washington and nationally. It is one way that everyone in the community can play a role in child abuse prevention. Wearing a ribbon is a reminder to think about the problem of child abuse. Others wear a ribbon as a demonstration of their concern and commitment to finding solutions.

The ribbon was first used by a grandmother in Virginia to commemorate the death of a grandchild she loved and was unable to protect from abusive parents. Blue is the color of hope. The ribbon was a solution to galvanize local action to safeguard children. The idea spread to become a national symbol during April.

Citizens and parents concerned about the problem of child abuse and neglect are challenged to display a blue ribbon in every business, every house of worship and every school and home. Thousands in Washington State and across the nation are responding to the challenge each year in April. Locally, blue ribbons are available at St. James Family Center.

Each year, more children are at risk of being abused; in 2006, Child Protective Services received nearly 37,000 referrals for abuse and neglect in Washington State.

St. James Family Center offers Family Support Services for families living in Wahkiakum County. Services include Parents as Teachers home visits, crisis childcare, developmental screenings and parent education classes. For more information about these services, call Jenny Gale at 795-8612.