Commissioners Emphasize Importance Of Child Abuse Prevention In Franklin County

Representatives of Franklin County Children and Youth Services and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County joined Franklin County Commissioner John Flannery, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller and Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski for a proclamation presentation declaring April 2023 to be  Child Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County during the commissioners’ March 29 public board meeting.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed April 2023 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 support to be successful.

According to national data from the Department of Health and Human Services, child protective services across the U.S. investigated or responded to more than 3 million allegations of abuse in 2021. During that same period, approximately 600,000 children across the country were found to be victims of maltreatment, and an estimated 1,820 children died from abuse and neglect. Locally, Franklin County Children and Youth Services (CYS) completed 568 investigations into child abuse in 2022. During those assessments, CYS found 26 cases of substantiated physical abuse, 29 cases of sexual abuse and nine cases of 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.

“Families who have the necessary resources and support system are more resilient and have the ability to raise confident, happy, healthy and safe children, which in turn strengthens our community,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. “Everyone has a role and responsibility in caring for our children. They are our most vulnerable citizens, and their health and wellbeing is important to our county’s future and quality of life.”

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.

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.

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