Proclamation ceremony on child abuse set

April 06--Residents are encouraged on Tuesday to speak out against child abuse and neglect by attending a proclamation ceremony on the west side of the Henderson County Courthouse.

"No child ever asks to be abused or neglected," said Leslie Saunders, executive director of the Henderson County HELP Center. "It's up to everyone to look out for the children in our community."

This is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In Texas, 295,485 children were reported abused or neglected last year to Child Protective Services.

Area nonprofits and officials in the second week of April plant pinwheels on the west lawn of the courthouse square to honor local victims. The pinwheels will be displayed for a week.

In 2017, CPS in Henderson County reported three child deaths as a result of abuse or neglect, 443 confirmed cases of abuse or neglect, and 151 children were removed from their homes as a result. The Child Advocacy Center that offers medical exams, mental-health services and case management served 486 primary and secondary victims of child abuse last year.

Suspected child abuse or neglect may be reported by calling 1-800-252-5400 or visiting txabusehotline.org. The Henderson County HELP Center and Maggie's House can be reached by calling 903-675-4357.

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