CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER SUPPORTS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

April 2025

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, nurturing environment. Child Advocacy Center of West Central Ohio (CAC), a program of Crime Victim Services, encourages all individuals and organizations to support prevention efforts of child abuse and neglect in Allen County throughout the year and especially during April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.   

Protective factors are the strengths and resources on which families rely as a shield from life’s stresses during difficult times.  Research shows that when parents possess protective factors, the risk for neglect and abuse decreases and optimal outcomes for children, youth, and families are promoted.  Major protective factors include knowledge of parenting, knowledge of child development, parental resilience, social connections, and concrete supports. 

Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility.  We can all help prevent child abuse and neglect by ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, and by establishing meaningful connections with the families in our community. 

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Crime Victim Services is hosting a special free training on how to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. 

The training will be held at CASA on Wednesday, April 9at 5:30 pm. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Details available on https://www.facebook.com/share/18wsNbuRX5/.  

“Stewards of Children is an engaging, trauma informed training that allows adults to better understand not only the signs of abuse in children, but the practical things they can do to proactively protect children in their lives from abuse. It’s a training I hope every parent, teacher and caregiver can participate in,” said Erin Ostling Burkholder, director of Outreach & Prevention.  

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and other resources, please visit Home | Allen County Children Services (allencsb.com) 

2025 CAPM Events are: 

April 1 Flag Raising at 9 a.m. at Allen County Children Services 123 W. Spring St. Lima, Ohio 45801 

April 3: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be Allen County Children Services Community for Kids’ Luncheon at the OhioMeansJobs of Allen County conference hall which is officially known as the OhioMeansJobs Allen County Workforce Development and Recruitment Center at 951 Commerce Parkway. Please note the change from breakfast to luncheon and a change in location from the Civic Center in years past to the OhioMeansJobs conference hall 951 Commerce Pkwy., Lima, OH 45804. RSVP required Greg.Sowinski@jfs.ohio.gov 

April 9 Wear BLUE Contest 

Take a fun picture of yourself, your coworkers, class or group wearing BLUE 

Submit pictures to Allen County Children Services at Greg.Sowinski@jfs.ohio.gov  

April 9, 2025 5:30 PM-8:00 PM Free and open to the public Stewards of Children Community Trainings. At CASA building 234 N. Main Street, Lima, Ohio 45801 https://www.facebook.com/share/18wsNbuRX5/  Dunkin' Donuts will have BLUE donuts all month Cabel Road.  

Sara’s Sweets will have blue cupcakes on April 9.