The month of April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As you walk into the Athens campus you will see blue pinwheels along the walkways. Blue Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention, selected because they serve as a physical reminder of joy and childhood. They represent the hope we have for every child to have a healthy and safe childhood.
There are sincere and important conversations happening among policy makers, service providers, community leaders, researchers, and families about how to best prevent child abuse. These conversations are necessary and through research, debate, and openness to new ideas we can move toward the goal of every child having a healthy and safe childhood.
Over this month there are a number of activities and opportunities to engage in the debate, the work, and contribute to the ongoing efforts. Below are a few events that are taking place in Athens, the state of Georgia, and nationwide.
- Come to the UGA SSW sponsored screening of “Foster Boy” on 4/11/23 from 5-9pm https://calendar.uga.edu/event/
- Virtually Attend a reading of the new book “We Were Once a Family: A story of love, death, and child removal in America”. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/upend-reads-a-conversation-with-roxanna-asgarian-tickets-558786995947
- Learn more about national child maltreatment data: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/report/child-maltreatment-2021
- Annie E. Casey Foundation Webinars: https://www.aecf.org/webinar
- Prevent Child Abuse Georgia Events: https://calendar.gsu.edu/search/events?event_types%5B%5D=36387798374968
- Support BrightPaths Athens in their support of parents and families: https://brightpathsathens.org/get-involved/wish-list/
