Dozens of blue and silver pinwheels twirl in the April breeze.
The eye-catching display has taken over the lawn of the Johnson County courthouse, in the hopes of grabbing the attention of passing motorists or pedestrians.
Each shimmering pinwheel is planted in the grass to raise awareness of an ongoing problem plaguing the community: child abuse.
“A lot of times, parents are getting so caught up in the stress of life that they take it out on the children. We hope by encouraging positive, healthy interactions with their children, opening their eyes to some of the resources where they can turn for support, we can alleviate some of that,” said Linda Hershman, assistant director for Children’s Bureau, Inc.
Local advocates and organizations are banding together to spotlight the issue throughout the month of April in Johnson County. Prevent Child Abuse Indiana has planned a series of activities, social media engagements and events to raise awareness, and provide families with resources to prevent child abuse throughout the community.
The centerpiece of the event is a free family fun day filled with education, games, food and more.
“There’s the piece to educate the community on child abuse and neglect that does happen. We want everyone to know what that is and report and utilize (the Department of Child Services) in that sense,” Hershman said. “But we also want to promote positive and healthy interactions in families.”
After two stressful and traumatic years for almost all people, child abuse is on the rise.
In February alone, there were 27 substantiated incidents of child abuse, neglect or sexual abuse in Johnson County, according to a report from the Department of Child Services (DCS). Seventeen incidents were confirmed in January, DCS data shows.
Looking at all of 2021, the county had 274 substantiated reports of abuse, compared to 257 substantiated reports in 2020.
Officials say the greatest tool available to prevent that abuse is education and support, which is driving the month-long focus for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“Research shows that positive childhood experiences grow thriving families and communities,” said Dr. Melissa Merrick, president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. “This is the moment to build a child and family well-being system that propels families to grow and thrive together.”
Prevent Child Abuse Indiana, an Indianapolis-based chapter of the nationwide organization, is spearheading many of the activities throughout April.
The organization is encouraging people to follow them on social media and share posts throughout the month, using the hashtags #GrowingBetterTogether and #CAPMonth.
A nationwide Digital Advocacy Day is planned for April 27, encouraging people to contact their legislators to voice your support for family-friendly policies such as paid sick and family leave.
Children’s Bureau is offering a free, virtual training on April 25 centered around Trust-Based Relational Intervention.
“It’s a therapeutic technique that’s evidence-based that allows parents to learn skills on how they can manage kids who have had trauma that has impacted their relationships,” Hershman said. “It’s good for kids who have some intense behaviors going on, or have different attachment issues.”
But the family fun day is driving the most excitement, Hershman said.
The event, scheduled for April 23, will be free and open to all in the community. Organizers have gathered numerous social agencies and organizations to pass out information and speak with parents about topics such as safety, services and support.
Each participating group will have an activity or giveaway for attending families to take home with them.
Balloon artists, face painting and free foods and snacks are also planned.
“A lot of the events we’re working through this year focus on giving parents resources and giving them positive ways to engage with the community, and giving them more skills so that hopefully, we can instill a little bit of that prevention, instead of just bringing awareness to what’s already happening out there,” Hershman said.
Advocates hope the activities and events planned this month work together to build a community dedicated to ending abuse.
“We all get really caught up with what parents and families do wrong, and what leads to child abuse. We’re trying to shift that focus to how we can support people better,” Hershman said. “The saying, ‘It takes a village …’ is so, so accurate. Oftentimes in this position, when we see people failing, it’s when they don’t have those natural supports, like family or close friends. What we’re trying to do is build some of that in Johnson County.”
At a Glance
Child Abuse Prevention Month
What: A monthlong campaign to raise awareness of child abuse and provide resources for families
When: Throughout April
Events
Family Fun Day, noon-3 p.m. April 23, Boys & Girls Club of Franklin, 101 Hurricane St. Free and open to all families
Virtual Trust-Based Relational Intervention Training, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 25. A therapeutic model that trains caregivers to provide effective support and treatment for at-risk children. Register at eventbrite.com/e/tbri-introduction-and-overview-tickets-296871439467.
