| Smithfield
sets aside April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
By Arie Kirk
March 19, 2007 | SMITHFIELD -- Smithfield will recognize
April as Child Abuse Prevention Month after the City
Council voted Wednesday to adopt the proclamation.
Council member William Wood said the council supported
the proclamation because it is important to raise children
in a caring and safe environment. Today's children will
grow to be tomorrow's leaders, Wood said, so they must
be protected.
"Our greatest asset is our children," he said. "Child
abuse is a serious problem."
The Child and Family Support Center, which is in Logan,
is sending representatives to cities around the county
and asking them to support the proclamation declaring
April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
JaNae Sorenson, a clinical coordinator at the center,
said, "We are going to all city councils and asking
them to adopt the proclamation. We want to bring awareness
to the preventions of child abuse and educate people
about what services are out there and available to them."
Smithfield Chief of Police Johnny McCoy spoke to the
council Wednesday as well. McCoy, who is also a board
member at the support center, said there was a 33.8
percent increase in child abuse in Utah between 2000
and 2003.
"April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention
Month," McCoy said. "We need to increase awareness of
abuse occurring in Cache County."
Sorenson said many events in April will rally support,
raise funds and enlighten citizens of the severity and
frequency of child abuse.
The center will be sponsoring its first annual 5K
race against child abuse April 14.
On April 27, it will host its annual Blue Ribbon Benefit
Dinner and Auction to raise money for the center and
those who utilize their services.
The Child and Family Support Center, a private and
non-profit organization, offers many services including
crisis hotlines, therapy, workshops and classes. Sorenson
said it also provides short-term shelter for victims
of abuse.
Wood said the council will participate in some events.
He also mentioned the possibility of the council allotting
financial support for the center in the future.
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