How you can help prevent child abuse
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Each April, Olmsted County joins the movement to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise awareness that child abuse is preventable. Olmsted County is proud to be part of Voices for Children – Child Abuse Prevention Council of Olmsted County. Voices for Children is a multidisciplinary committee whose goal is to spread awareness and education about child abuse prevention in our community.
Other integral members of the Voices for Children – Child Abuse Prevention Council of Olmsted County include:
- Family Service Rochester
- Home Federal Bank
- Mayo Clinic
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Southeast Minnesota
- Olmsted County Public Health
- Olmsted Medical Center
- Rochester Public Schools
- Winona State University
- Zumbro Valley Health Center
In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Voices for Children is hosting online events that are open to the public. To learn more about preventative measures and how you can help Olmsted County youth, you are encouraged to attend the following online sessions:
- Monday, April 11, 2022 – 12 p.m.: Drug use in schools/trends
- Monday, April 18, 2022 – 12 p.m.: Children of incarcerated parents – Doing time on the outside
- Monday, April 25, 2022 – 12 p.m.: Internet and social media usage
“Prevention is the best defense against child abuse and neglect. There are many ways to build and enhance strong relationships with people in your community. It is important to connect with children and families in your life to offer your support,” said Olmsted County Director of Child and Family Services Amy Rauchwarter.
This month and throughout the year, Olmsted County encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making the community a better place for children and families.
“By ensuring parents and caregivers have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for children, we can help promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities,” continued Rauchwarter.
“April is a time to recognize the important role that communities play in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Mark Thein. “I encourage all residents in Olmsted County to utilize the services and resources available in Olmsted County.”
Help is available
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected and is in immediate danger, call 911. If the child is not in immediate danger, please call Olmsted County Protection Intake at 507-328-6130, or if after normal business hours, call 507-535-5625.
Learn more about Olmsted County Child Protection & Welfare Services.