News Detail

Franklin County Emphasizes Importance Of Recognizing, Reporting Child Abuse

Commissioners

April 16, 2025

The Franklin County Commissioners joined staff from the county’s Children & Youth Services department and the Franklin County Children’s Advocacy Center in recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County during the commissioners’ April 9 public board meeting.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 2025 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month and are encouraging all residents, community leaders and stakeholders to do their part to stop the mistreatment of children and to provide families with the necessary supports to be successful.

Locally, Franklin County Children and Youth Services (CYS) received 3,587 referrals in 2024, 2,445 of which were accepted for assessment or investigation. Of those referrals, 496 were investigations into child abuse. Twenty cases were substantiated for physical abuse, 17 cases were substantiated for sexual abuse, and one case was substantiated for physical neglect.

While Child Abuse Prevention Month draws attention to the mistreatment of children, its greater purpose is to inspire others to take the necessary steps to prevent and reduce instances of child abuse and neglect in their communities.

Increasing social supports, sharing best practices for parenting and child development, and providing resources to help families cope with stress are key to reducing the risk of abuse and increasing children’s ability to grow and reach their full potential. These strategies are most effective when citizens, human service agencies, schools, faith communities, health care providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community work together.

“It’s critical that all of us do our part to protect, support and nurture children so they have an opportunity to become confident, happy and healthy members of our community,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “It’s our job as commissioners to ensure the safety of our residents, even the youngest and most vulnerable. We are proud to say our Children and Youth Services staff are dedicated to the mission of empowering families and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed and reduce child neglect and abuse.”

By recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County, the commissioners are urging residents and local agencies to do their part to promote the healthy growth and development of Franklin County’s youth and to recognize and report all instances of abuse and neglect within their communities.

Locally, Franklin County CYS works to protect children, preserve families and ensure that every child has a permanent home. For more information, call 717-263-1900. To report child abuse or neglect, contact the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-932-0313.