The Dallas County Board of Supervisors, acting Tuesday morning on the recommendation of the Dallas County Children’s Advocacy Council, proclaimed April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Dallas County.
Dena Owens, president of the Children’s Advocacy Council, Debra Franz, restorative justice specialist in the Dallas County juvenile court system, and Deb Schrader, executive director of 4RKids Early Childhood Iowa, described for the supervisors the importance of child abuse awareness and prevention efforts in the county.
Of 339 reported cases of abused or neglected children in Dallas County in 2015, 73 reports were confirmed, Owens said. She said 2016 statistics have yet to be released by the state, but as the county’s population grows, the incidence of child abuse will likely increase as well.
Schrader said 50 percent of victims of abuse or neglect are under the age of 5.
As in previous years, a number of events and activities are planned for Child Abuse Prevention Month, including a large banner placed at the southeast corner of the courthouse lawn at Main Street and N Avenue.
Franz said funding cuts have cost the program the popular and highly recognizable pinwheels that previously dotted the town in April and also the aerial ornaments for the Dallas County Sheriff’s office patrol cars.
A fundraising mixer is planned for April 22 from 7-10 p.m. at Brick Street Books and Cafe. Other events include the Toddler Fest at the county fairground May 6 and a wine tasting fundraiser set for July 22 at Pinoch Winery.
