Blue Ribbons Commemorate Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril 17th, 2008
Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center supporters tied 64 blue ribbons on the tree at Memorial Hospital to commemorate April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pictured are (left to right), front row, Sharon Harrington, Assistant Director of Child Welfare & Workforce Support for TCDSS; Pediatrics nurse Jan Smith, RN; and Kawana Molock, CAC Coordinator; back row, Jerry Golladay, Maryland State Police; Fayette Engstrom, MD; Scott Patterson, States Attorney; Bob Engstrom; and Dale Oberender, Assistant Director for Caroline County Department of Social Services.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time set aside to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect, and to encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.
On April 1, supporters of the Talbot County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) carried on an annual tradition by tying blue ribbons to the spruce tree in front of The Memorial Hospital at Easton. Each ribbon represents a child who, in the last year, received services through the CAC, which is located at Memorial Hospital. The CAC is a partnership between the Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) and Shore Health System.
The Blue Ribbon Campaign to Prevent Child Abuse began in 1989. April Sharp, Director for TCDSS, explains, “This symbol was established when a Virginia grandmother lost her grandson to child abuse. After his death, she tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her van to alert her community to the ultimate tragedy of child abuse. We use the blue ribbons as a reminder to support the safety of children in our community.”
In 2007, the Talbot County CAC provided forensic interviews, forensic medical examinations, advocacy services and mental health services for 64 children. Many more cases of child abuse and neglect are investigated annually by TCDSS and law enforcement officials. An accredited member of the National Children’s Alliance, the CAC uses a multi-disciplinary approach. The CAC team includes pediatrician Elizabeth Mason, MD, who is the CAC medical director, and pediatrician Fayette Engstrom, MD. Other team members are Shore Health System nurses trained in sexual assault investigations and representatives from TCDSS, law enforcement and the State Attorney’s office. Under the direction of TCDSS, For All Seasons provides advocacy services for the non-offending family members who may require social services and support.
< back | top ^
|
|
