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Pinwheels draw attention to Child Abuse Prevention Month

San Angelo Standard-Times - 4/7/2017

April 07--Children from area schools and members of the Children's Advocacy Center planted about 500 purple pinwheels in front of the Tom Green County courthouse Thursday to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is the fifth year the Children's Advocacy Center of Tom Green County has held its Pinwheel Ceremony to raise awareness for abused and neglected children.

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The Children's Advocacy Center of Tom Green County held its Pinwheel Ceremony in front of the Tom Green County courthouse to help raise awareness for child abuse prevention. The event is in its fifth year.

Ngan Ho

The pinwheels are symbolic of the children who have faced abuse in Tom Green County, said Heather Ward, executive director.

"You really have to think about this (as it) really is our problem to address (in) our community," Ward said. "We think that is something that would help the community become more resilient also and help meet the needs of children and family."

In 2016, the CAC reviewed and coordinated services for 1,579 children, trained 670 educators and provided direct services to 1,339 children and families in the community.

The Tom Green County District Clerk's office reported 135 cases filed in regards to child protection in 2016, 118 in 2015 and 148 in 2014.

Child Protective Services completed 166,753 investigations that confirmed 58,664 children were victims of abuse or neglect in Texas last year, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. And more than 200 children in Texas died because of abuse or neglect last year.

The schools represented at the pinwheel ceremony were Trinity Lutheran, Angelo State University, Alta Loma Elementary, Glenn Middle School, Lincoln Middle School and First Baptist Church Day Care.

About 200 people attended the event. Recognized attendees were San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter and 119th District Attorney John Best.

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(c)2017 the San Angelo Standard-Times (San Angelo, Texas)

Visit the San Angelo Standard-Times (San Angelo, Texas) at www.gosanangelo.com

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