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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: March 17, 2026 <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, 919-245-2746 <br /> Lindsey Shewmaker, 919-245-2817 <br /> PURPOSE: To approve a proclamation declaring April 2026 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 fiscal year 2024-2025, <br /> 526 reports of suspected child maltreatment were assessed in Orange County. For the State of <br /> North Carolina, there were 57,750 reports assessed within the same period. Currently, 80 children <br /> are in the custody of Orange County Social Services due to serious abuse and neglect issues <br /> within their families. In December 2025, there were 11,181 children in custody of social services <br /> 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 /> Everyone is encouraged to Wear Blue on Friday, April 10, 2026 in recognition of Child Abuse <br /> Prevention Month. Social Services is planning to provide awareness materials to community <br /> members at the Sportsplex Family Fun Day on April 11, 2026. <br /> The Board of Commissioners is asked to support this effort and to encourage the community to <br /> become more aware of the issues impacting children and families. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. <br />