FARMINGTON – During April’s annual observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Franklin County Children’s Task Force will offer events and programs that call attention to the importance of preventing abuse and all forms of child maltreatment.

“We need to raise the public’s awareness of the devastating effects of child abuse,” said Mary Kerwood, director’s assistant at the Task Force, “and empower and encourage people to become involved and support families and parents so we can prevent all forms of child abuse and neglect from reaching our nation’s children.”

The task force began three new programs this month: a nurturing program, a parent reading circle and a dads and kids group.

Dads and their children are invited to breakfast and fun with the new dads and kids program from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, at Old South Congregational Church. Along with a continental breakfast, dads and kids will participate in various activities and adventures including a time for kite-making at this month’s meeting.

Future dates for meetings are May 24 and June 7. To register for the breakfast or for more information, phone 778-6960 or toll-free 1-888-429-6960. Information about other programs is also available.

For more information about activities relating to Child Abuse Prevention Month or for information about child abuse prevention programs and activities throughout the year, contact the Franklin County Children’s Task Force at the numbers above.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and Neglect has teamed up with Prevent Child Abuse America to create a packet of information and resources about child abuse and neglect prevention. It contains strategies for how each one of us can get involved in preventing child abuse. A packet of information on abuse prevention is available online from www.preventchildabuse.org or from the task force office at 113 Church St.


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