Franklin County Children Services Highlights Child Abuse Prevention Efforts During Annual Breakfast
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) is taking action to raise awareness about the ongoing issue of child abuse. On Wednesday, they held their annual breakfast, shining a spotlight on child abuse prevention efforts in central Ohio and celebrating successful stories from teenagers and families who have benefited from FCCS services.
FCCS shared some alarming statistics, revealing that they received around 28,000 phone calls to the Franklin County Child Abuse Hotline last year, averaging 75 calls per day. This highlights the urgency of their mission.
As part of its focus on prevention, FCCS emphasized the importance of listening to the lived experiences of the children and families it serves. By tailoring resources to address their true needs, FCCS aims to strengthen families and help them avoid crises that might otherwise lead to child abuse or neglect.
At the event, children took part in the presentation, showcasing their talents with singing and introducing various speakers. The goal was to educate the community on how we can all contribute to preventing child abuse and supporting families before they fall into crisis.
Scott Varner from FCCS noted, “If we can put those resources back into our neighborhoods, maybe more families don’t reach that crisis.” The hope is that by investing in prevention and community support, we can help keep children safer and foster stronger families in Franklin County.
