Retreat Recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month

In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which raises awareness of child abuse and neglect, Jasper County Family Connection Executive Director and Mayor DeAshley Thurman signed Proclamation declaring the month of April Child Abuse Prevention month in Jasper County.

Residents and staff of The Retreat in Jasper placed blue pinwheels saying No Excuse For Child Abuse at the entrance. Pinwheels were also placed in downtown Monticello on the square and at the Jasper County Senior Center.

The pinwheels represent playfulness, joy and a carefree childhood and serve as a reminder to protect and nurture our children. Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign for child abuse prevention.

The proclamation read:

Whereas, children are our nation’s most vulnerable members as well as our nation’s most valuable resources, helping to shape the future of City of Monticello and

Whereas, positive childhood experiences (PCES)-like loving caregivers and safe, stable, and nurturing relationships-can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) to promote the social, emotional, and developmental well-being of children; and

Whereas, childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects throughout an individual’s lifetime and impact future generations of their family; and

Whereas, childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is a serious problem affecting every community in the U.S., and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone; and

Whereas, children who-live in families with access to concrete economic and social supports are less likely to experience abuse and neglect; and

Whereas, prevention is possible because of the partnerships created between families, prevention advocates, child welfare professionals, education, health, community, and faith-based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies, and local, state, and national governments; and

Whereas, we acknowledge that in order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, center the needs of families, break down bias and barriers, and inspire action from expected and unexpected partners in prevention; and

Whereas, we are committed to advancing equitable, responsive, and effective systems that ensure all children and families are healthy and thriving; and

Whereas, we recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like home visiting and family-strengthening policies, economic supports, and community-based child abuse prevention programs at the national, state, and local levels; and

Now, Therefore, I, Mayor DeAshley Thunnan do hereby proclaim April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Morticello, Georgia and urge all citizens to recognize this month by building a narrative of hope for children and families through collaboration and the creation of an ecosystem of primary prevention that does not currently exist in this country.

This 1st day of April 2025.