The Children’s Advocacy Center of Brevard along with other agencies will again roll out its statewide public awareness and education campaign, Pinwheels for Prevention, in April, Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Why a pinwheel?
As the symbol for child abuse prevention, the pinwheel represents hope, health and happiness. The pinwheel is a happy and uplifting symbol of childhood and represents our efforts to ensure the healthy development of children. The pinwheels serve as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to create communities that promote healthy environments for children.
Research shows that nurturing relationships and safe, secure environments improve brain development and child well-being.
Parents and caregivers who have a social network and concrete support in times of need are better able to provide safe environments and nurturing experiences for their children.
Lawns at businesses, schools and public offices across Brevard are planted with pinwheel gardens throughout April in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
When we fail to provide the resources children and families need, children are at increased risk of exposure to extreme and sustained stress like child abuse and neglect, which can interfere with healthy brain development and result in learning and behavioral problems, and long-term physical and mental illness.
What you can do:
- Educate yourself and others
Learn about services in Brevard and what you can do to ensure they are available to families. If you suspect a child is being abused, neglected or abandoned, call the state abuse hotline at 1-800-962-2873. For emergencies, call 911.
- Participate
Volunteer to help local children’s programs; serve on a board of a children’s organization.
- Advocate
Ask elected officials to support child abuse and neglect intervention efforts. Check out the Facebook Cause Prevent Child Abuse Florida.
- Donate
Attend or host child welfare fundraising events in our community. Make a personal financial contribution to an organization serving the critical needs of children in our community—like the Children’s Advocacy Center of Brevard.
Together, we can ensure a brighter future for our children and a prosperous future for our community.