CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH CONTINUES AMID CURRENT CHALLENGES

The observation of Child Abuse Prevention Month continues throughout the month of April, as it does each year, but the way in which it is being observed has certainly changed. The coronavirus pandemic has led to the cancellation of all in-person events for 2020. The Exchange Club Family Resource Center has adjusted by taking to their social media outlets in order to raise awareness of child abuse prevention locally. Tina Bartleson, Executive Director, asserts that she’s been ‘heartened’ by the response from the public.

Crises such as this draw attention to the need of everyone to have a safe and healthy home. She hopes that community members will join forces to ensure that vulnerable families have the support and resources that they need during this crucial time, especially since parents and children are together at home a lot more these days.

Bartleson states that Floyd County DFCS received more than 1,900 reports of abuse and neglect in 2019. Over 700 of the reports were screened out, but the rest necessitated some form of action.

The Exchange Club Family Resource Center extends a helping hand to local families amid challenging times through their Parent Aide program and other services. Donations to the organization are most definitely welcome at this time, attests Bartleson, who anticipates an increased need for FRC services in the coming months.

For more information or to make a contribution to the Exchange Club Family Resource Center, visit www.exchangeclubfrc.org. Those who may be in need of FRC services are urged by Bartleson to call (706) 290-0764.