April is nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Additionally, at the request of The Parent Child Center of Tulsa, Mayor GT Bynum has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Tulsa.
The Parent Child Center of Tulsa will spread child abuse and neglect awareness by installing 2,680 pinwheels on the lawn of our downtown office located at 1421 South Boston. There were 2,680 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in Tulsa County in 2016. In addition, blue ribbons will be placed on trees on our property as well as around the city.
PCCT’s Executive Director, Kristine D. Bridges, states, “Child abuse and neglect are important issues in our community. Last year, we saw a significant increase in substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in our county. We believe in prevention through education, treatment, and advocacy. We know that together we can decrease child maltreatment, and we know that to do this we need the support of everyone in our community.”
Experts agree when parents have support from family, friends and neighbors and have access to community resources designed to strengthen families, caregivers are better able to provide safe and stable homes for their children. Some positive choices you can make to support change are:
- Volunteer at an organization providing services to families and help ensure a loving experience everyday so children may grow up healthy and thrive.
- Be an advocate for prevention programs in your community by holding a special event to raise awareness and or funds.
- Hold a Blue Ribbon or Pinwheel Campaign
- Take a stand against child abuse by raising the issue, reaching out to families in need, recognizing the warning signs of abuse and neglect, remembering the risk factors and reporting suspected child abuse or neglect.