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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Child Abuse Prevention Month Highlights the Importance of Nurturing Positive Childhoods Through “Prevention in Partnership” 

(ROWAN COUNTY) N.C. (March 31, 2023) — April is National Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month, a time when child wellness and child welfare organizations across North Carolina, and the nation, elevate the importance of creating systems and programs that put children and families first. Rowan County Department of Social Services, along with Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC) recognizes that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. We all have a stake in prioritizing equal opportunities for every child from all communities in each corner of the state to build a more prosperous future for us all and nurture positive childhoods.  

“It’s never been truer that communities today need to band together in collective ways to help our families and children thrive. Too often, our society thinks of raising healthy children as a parent or caregiver’s responsibility alone,” said Micah Ennis, Director of Rowan County Department of Social Services. “In reality, we all benefit when groups of people work together to collectively care for children, and this April for Child Abuse Prevention Month, our team is dedicated to working together to lessen the load of stress that families face.”

Extreme stress and uncertainty for families may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect raising the need to support families and prevent abuse before it occurs. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported. 

Throughout CAP Month, Rowan County Department of Social Services and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina are raising awareness through the concepts of “Nurturing Positive Childhoods” and “Prevention in Partnership” to reinforce the concept that prevention cannot and does not happen alone. 

“During this year’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, we hope all North Carolinians find a way to be a connection and help nurture positive childhoods so more children can thrive,” said Sharon Hirsch, President and CEO of PCANC. “There are a number of ways you can get involved in this campaign and help prevent child maltreatment from ever occurring.”  

For ways to get involved in CAP Month and to download the toolkit (with customized resources for school counselors, faith communities and early care and education providers), please visit https://www.preventchildabusenc.org/recognize-child-abuse-prevention-month/. Because together, we can prevent child abuse, North Carolina.

About Rowan County Department of Social Services

Rowan County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) is committed to improving the lives of our citizens, helping them to overcome life’s challenges, while at the same time promoting their personal responsibility in order to build a stronger community.  RCDSS partner with the community, strengthening the quality of life for citizens by protecting individuals, families and those who are economically vulnerable while being accountable and outcome focused.

About Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina

Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina ensures that child maltreatment prevention is a priority for North Carolina and all communities have the knowledge, support and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through collaboration with partners across North Carolina, PCANC works with communities to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships for all children. PCANC is the North Carolina chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. PCANC is a proud recipient of Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating and GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information, contact Kristie Demers, Director of Communications and Marketing, at (919) 829-8009, ext. 619 or kdemers@preventchildabusenc.org. 

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Contact: 
Roxie Cashwell, Social Work Program Administrator II
Rowan County Department of Social Services
1813 E Innes Street
Salisbury, NC  28146
704-216-8330