Department of Education Hosts Pinwheel Planting Ceremony in Observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month
April 2, 2018
FDOE Press Office
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Department of Education Hosts Pinwheel Planting Ceremony in Observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Tallahassee, Fla., April 2, 2018 – Today, the Department of Education hosted the agency’s annual pinwheel planting ceremony at the Turlington Building in Tallahassee. In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the pinwheels will remain on the lawn through the month of April to symbolize the promise of the happy childhoods all children deserve.
“We each have a role in preventing child abuse and neglect in our communities, and Pinwheels for Prevention is a wonderful way to raise awareness about this very important issue,” said K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons. “The Department of Education is proud to join with state leaders and child advocates who share my belief that every child has the right to grow up in a safe and loving environment. I hope that the pinwheels planted today serve as an ongoing reminder to our staff and visitors that we all have a great responsibility to Florida’s children.”
“As neighbors, friends, mentors, coaches, and members of local communities, we all have a responsibility in preventing child abuse. Building healthy relationships within families and supporting parents and caregivers through knowledge and education is key to preventing abuse and neglect of the most vulnerable – our children,” said Department of Children and Families’ Assistant Secretary for Child welfare JoShonda Guerrier. “As pinwheel gardens are planted across the nation in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we hope that this symbol of the carefree childhood, that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy, is met with real action to help prevent child abuse.”
“Adversity in childhood can have negative and far reaching impacts,” said Zackary Gibson, Chief Child Advocate and Director of the Governor’s Office on Adoption and Child Protection. “Our ability to support families by building protective factors can result in children being ready to learn to achieve their full potential.”
“Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe and loved,” said Chris Lolley, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Florida. “Through activities such as mentoring, supporting family-focused organizations in your community and advocating for children’s causes, everyone can play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect. We are grateful to the Florida Department of Education and other partners who participate in the annual Pinwheels for Prevention campaign to remind all Floridians to take action on behalf of children and families.”
Florida law requires everyone to report known or suspected child abuse to the Florida Department of Children and Families, online at https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/report-online.shtml, by phone at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873) or via fax at 1-800-914-0004.
Pinwheels for Prevention is a national campaign that engages communities in a coordinated effort to prevent child abuse and neglect by promoting the awareness of healthy child development, positive parenting practices and the types of support families need within their communities. For more information, visit Pinwheels for Prevention.
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