Twin Cedars Youth & Family Services, along with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia encourages people across the state to participate in this year’s National Child Abuse Prevention Month by sharing their talents and time to help create better, brighter futures for children and families. Even the smallest steps can make a big difference in a child’s life – and a parent’s as well.

“Everyone wants to provide and nurture their child in a positive, healthy environment, but sometimes parents need a little extra support every now and then,” said Julia Neighbors, director at Prevent Child Abuse Georgia. “That’s why we’re asking people to proactively engage parents in their local community and offer their support- whether it’s by making a meal for a family, reading to or tutoring a child, or just connecting a family with local resources.”

In a national survey, 94% of parents said they needed help of some kind; 86% said they would be grateful for services, childcare or other support. However, in a separate study, fewer than 20% of parents said they would actually seek help. While the goal is to help create great childhoods for all children, it is important that parents get the support they need. An easy way for professionals and caregivers to find supportive programs in their community is by calling 1-800-CHILDREN or visiting PCAGeorgiaHelpline.org.

Twin Cedars and PCA Georgia encourages everyone in the state to do what they love this April and help ensure great childhoods in their community.

In LaGrange, local agencies such as Twin Cedars, the Troup County Division of Family & Children Services, the Troup Family Connection Authority, along with the LaGrange Police Department and the Troup County Sheriff’s Office will be working together to raise child abuse awareness during the month of April. Lafayette Square, the Division of Family & Children Services lawn and the campus of the Twin Cedars Coleman Community Center will be decorated with Child Abuse Prevention banners, blue ribbons and pinwheels, the national symbol of the great childhoods we want for all children.

On April 17, at 10 a.m. at the Twin Cedars Coleman Community Center, the collaboration of local agencies will hold a Child Abuse Awareness Ceremony and Reception, where stakeholders in the community come together to revise local Child Abuse Protocol, keeping all agencies on the same page as they work together to help the children of the community. Headlining this event will be keynote speaker, Alan Cook. Cook is the director of the Prosecutorial Clinic Program at the University of Georgia School of Law and a published author of various articles and chapters on domestic violence and child sexual abuse cases. He has also represented countless victims in over 100 court proceedings. 

To learn more about these events, visit Twincedars.org or email Kim Adams at kadams@twincedars.org.