Notice the blue pinwheels around town? They are up all this month to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and remind us we all play a part in promoting the well-being of our children.
City of Fallon and Churchill County leaders held a ceremony this morning at Millennium Park to thank those in the community who watch out for our kids. At the ceremony, Justice Court Judge Ben Trotter discussed growing up in an abusive home and how he has worked to overcome his childhood hardships. Sue Sevon, representing Judge Tom Stockard of the 10th District Court, talked about the court’s caseload of families in distress and how Court Appointed Special Advocates, work with children toward the child’s best interest and advocate for them in court.
City of Fallon Mayor Ken Tedford read a joint city/county proclamation marking April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, noting that effective child abuse prevention strategies succeed because of partnerships created among citizens, human services agencies, schools, faith communities, health care providers, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies and the local business community.
Representatives from nearly all these groups were in attendance including the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office, City of Fallon, Churchill County Social Services, District Court, Justice Court and the Mayor’s office.
Churchill County Commissioner Pete Olsen emceed the event and he and Mayor Tedford presented the proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention Month to Brooke Shyne of the county’s social services department who was instrumental in organizing the event.
Pinwheels for Prevention takes place in early April each year.