April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and pinwheels are being used to remind everyone that we need to work together to ensure safe and healthy development of the children in our community. Pinwheels are a symbol of hope, health and happiness and they certainly made the county board and staff smile. (L-R, seated) Commissioners Heidi Doo-Kirk, Sue Hakes, Bruce Martinson, Jan Hall. (L-R, standing) Auditor Braidy Powers, Commissioner Garry Gamble, County Administrator Jay Kieft.
The Cook County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 25, 2014 was brightened a bit by an offering of colorful pinwheels. A team of child abuse prevention advocates brought the pinwheels, explaining that the uplifting symbol of childhood represents the community’s efforts to ensure safe and healthy development of children.
Joni Kristenson of Cook County Public Health said it is important to work to prevent child abuse all year long, but noted that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and extra effort is made to educate the public about the problem. She said pinwheels were chosen to serve as this year’s visual presentation.
Jodi Yuhasey of the Violence Prevention Center passed out the pinwheels and said, “Pinwheels make you smile. They symbolize what childhood should be, a time of hope, health and happiness.”
Kristenson said some communities “plant” pinwheel gardens, but noted that Cook County has too much rock.
Social worker Beth Faraone quipped, “And snow!”
Joined by Social Work Supervisor Grace Bouchard, the advocates explained some of the activities planned for April. Kristenson said the first thing they would like to see happen is to have the county board pass a Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation. She shared a draft resolution and the county board agreed to issue the proclamation.
The board asked County Administrator Jay Kieft to read the announcement, which he did, saying, “I’m privileged to read this proclamation.”
Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation
Whereas, child abuse is an issue that affects all members of our community and finding solutions depends on involvement among people throughout the community;
Whereas, child abuse prevention works when partnerships are created between parents, practitioners, schools, faith communities, health care organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community;
Whereas, family-serving, youth-focused prevention programs offer positive alternatives for young people and encourage parents and youth to develop strong ties to their communities;
Whereas, all citizens need to be more aware of child abuse and neglect and its prevention within the community, and be involved in supporting parents/caregivers to raise their children in a safe, nurturing society.
Now, therefore, the Cook County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Cook County, Minnesota and calls upon all citizens, community groups, faith organizations, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect, thereby strengthening the community in which we live.
Janice Hall
Cook County Board of Commissioners
March 25, 2014
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