Camdenton

If you see a sheriff’s deputy wearing a blue and white bracelet this month, it’s for a good reason. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and all month deputies from the Camden County Sheriff’s Office along with Juvenile Officers, court personnel, and other concerned citizens will be sporting the bracelets in order to bring attention to this important topic.  Each bracelet identifies the wearer as a partner of the 26th Judicial Circuit who wants to help prevent child abuse.

This is part of a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Each year in the United States, 6.6 million children are referred to local and state child protection agencies.  Since 2011, the Missouri Department of Social Services has fielded more than 60,000 referrals of possible child abuse and neglect each year. 

“There is no excuse for child abuse and neglect. If you or someone you know have knowledge of an abused child in our community, speak up.  Call us, the Department of Social Services, or your local law enforcement agency.  We all want to help.” – Sheriff Dwight Franklin

For more information about National Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website at: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/.