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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: April 2, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-a <br /> SUBJECT: Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Social Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Proclamation Brittany Mann, Social Work Program <br /> Manager, 919-245-2746 <br /> Nancy Coston, Director, 919-245-2802 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation designating April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. <br /> BACKGROUND: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Social <br /> Services and other community organizations are concerned about the continued incidence of child <br /> abuse and neglect in Orange County and in the state of North Carolina. In the fiscal year 2022- <br /> 2023, 556 reports of suspected child maltreatment were assessed in Orange County. For the <br /> state of North Carolina, there were 61,624 reports assessed within the same period. Currently, 89 <br /> children are in the custody of Orange County Social Services due to serious abuse and neglect <br /> issues within their families. In January 2024, there were 10,803 children in the custody of social <br /> services across the state. <br /> Most child abuse and neglect issues reported to Social Services involve substance use, domestic <br /> violence, unsafe discipline, supervision, or care of children. Social Services is working to increase <br /> education and awareness of these issues and to try to find strategies to improve the safety of <br /> children in the community. <br /> Community members can make a difference in the life of a child by making connections. Lending <br /> a helping hand or listening ear to a parenting neighbor or friend can help alleviate stress and <br /> provide a positive impact on a child's life. Increasing social connection and providing concrete <br /> support are integral protective factors. <br /> Parents, grandparents, and family members can ensure children are safe in their care by properly <br /> securing firearms and ensuring all medications or potentially harmful substances are inaccessible <br /> to children. <br /> Social Services and the County Health Department will be providing awareness materials to <br /> community members at the Health on the Block event at Hargraves Park on April 6, 2024, and at <br /> the Sportsplex Family Fun Day on April 20, 2024. Social Services will also be providing Pinwheels <br /> for Prevention and Child Abuse Prevention Month signs to be displayed outside of public <br /> elementary schools in Orange County. <br />