Columbia Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month
For the month of April, the city of Columbia is recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month. This is a significant event where those serving families and children in the community join hands to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.
Current Numbers in Child Welfare
According to the Department of Social Services in South Carolina (SCDSS), there are over 3000 children currently in foster care within the state. Out of these, more than 500 are located in Richland County. SCDSS shares that there are over 4000 open child welfare investigations, and these investigations involve more than 9000 children.
Role of Community in Prevention Efforts
The department urges the community to contribute to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. This can be accomplished by being vigilant and recognizing potential signs of maltreatment. Changes in behavior, social withdrawal, poor hygiene, and the presence of bruises may all be indicative signs of abuse or neglect.
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
Those who observe possible signs of child abuse or neglect are encouraged to report it promptly. For such scenarios, a 24-hour hotline 1-888-CARE-4-US is available. However, if a child is seen to be in direct danger, it is advised to call 911 immediately.
Responsibility of All
The safety and wellbeing of children are collective responsibilities shared by every member of the community. Recognizing and acting upon signs of potential abuse and neglect can play a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of children. Child Abuse Prevention Month serves as a reminder for the necessity of vigilance and action.
Tags: Department of Social Services, SCDS, South Carolina Department of Social Services
