Rockwall County proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month

ROCKWALL, TX – April 2, 2021 — Rockwall County kicked off Child Abuse Prevention Month with a proclamation at the Historic Courthouse on the Downtown Square on April 1st.

The Children’s Advocacy Center for Rockwall County joined city and county officials, the Rainbow Room of Rockwall County, and Lone Star CASA on the steps of the courthouse for the event. Rockwall County Judge David Sweet read out the proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month in the county.

“We are truly blessed to live in such an amazing place as Rockwall County. But we don’t live in a bubble; Bad things happen in Rockwall County just like they do everywhere. I’m so glad that there are good people who stand in the gap, advocate, provide those services when those bad things happen. I urge all of our citizens to join in a national effort to raise awareness and help prevent child abuse and neglect,” Sweet said.

A garden of blue pinwheels planted at the courthouse set the stage for the event, with each pinwheel representing a child that has been served by one of the child advocacy organizations in the county: 445 by the Rockwall CAC, 121 by CASA, and 233 by the Rainbow Room. Pinwheels are not only fun, childlike and whimsical, they also represent the lightheartedness that the children in our community could possess.

“The pinwheels represent a world where children can grow up happy, healthy and prepared to succeed in supportive families and communities like Rockwall,” said Patricia Mejia, President and CEO of the Rockwall CAC. “Whether you’re a business or corporation enacting policies that impact the work-life balance of your employees, or a neighbor who offers respite from the demands of parenting, we all have an effect on the lives of children. Pinwheels are a reminder that we all play a role in our children’s lives.”

Many businesses and organizations in Rockwall County will #GoBlueforKids throughout the month of April with special promotions and events. Check out the complete list to take part and support those organizations like the Rockwall CAC who advocate for abused kids.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.

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