JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio – A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center held its annual Pinwheel Planting event Thursday at the Jefferson County Courthouse, kicking off April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
A Caring Place is located in Wintersville and serves all of Jefferson County and the
surrounding area, providing a child-focused setting and trauma-informed advocacy for forensic interviews and medical exams following allegations of child abuse.
A coordinated, multidisciplinary team responds to these allegations and provides abuse prevention education to the community.
Pinwheels are the national symbol for child abuse prevention, representing all that
childhood should be: carefree, joyful, and fun.
Students from Hills Elementary and East Garfield Elementary were present to assist with
decorating the courthouse lawn with blue pinwheels and to hear from local professionals.
Students heard a proclamation from Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Timmons, as well as a resolution from Councilman David Albaugh of the Steubenville City Council. These documents declared April Child Abuse Prevention Month in their jurisdictions.
The children enjoyed spreading hundreds of pinwheels across the courthouse lawn, with the assistance of local professionals that work to protect the children of our communities.
Students then moved into Judge Michelle Miller’s courtroom, where they heard from Sheriff Fred Abdalla, Jr. on not being afraid to ask for help. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Bruzzese also spoke to the children, highlighting the fact that there is “an army” of adults in our community willing to help and protect them.
Miller closed out the event, opening up a question and answer session with the students after educating them on different parts of the courtroom.
A Caring Place thanked the professionals who helped make this event a success including East Garfield Elementary and Hills Elementary for bringing their students to
the event.
The organization urges the to take action against child abuse. Educate yourself of the signs of child abuse and neglect and make a plan to report anything you see or suspect. They say to speak openly with the children in your life about their safety and empower them to ask for help if they need it.
A Caring Place can be reached with questions 24/7/365 at (740) 266-3988.
