(LITTLE ROCK, AR) – Governor Asa Hutchinson and staff from the Arkansas Department of Human Services and its Division of Children and Family Services, along with many of its partners, gathered on the steps of the State Capitol in Little Rock on Wednesday, April 11, to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month and the fact that we all play a role in helping great childhoods happen.
This was one of many events held across the state this month to help people in Arkansas better understand the different ways that they can get involved in child abuse prevention. Supporters came from all over the state and represented many of the agency's partners in child abuse prevention, including Children's Advocacy Centers, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Arkansas Building Effective Services for Trauma, the Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division, the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence, and many more.
“A state like Arkansas has many different missions,” noted Governor Asa Hutchinson during his address to those in attendance. “But there’s not a more important mission that we have than the proper care and protection of the children of our state.”
DCFS Director Mischa Martin encouraged everyone to do something in their communities to help build a stronger foundation for our families and children.
“Our theme for the day is ‘Help Great Childhoods Happen’,” Director Martin commented. “It’s about all of us and how we’re all in it together. Go out and mentor, volunteer, and get involved in your community. Everyone can make a difference.”
One of those in attendance who is already making a huge difference in his community is State Representative George McGill. He represents District 78, which includes a portion of Sebastian County. His school-based mentor program – the Golden Knights and Golden Jewels – has proven highly successful at strengthening children and families. Rep. McGill was accompanied by nearly 100 fifth- and sixth-grade students from Fort Smith schools to remind everyone of what and who we’re all working so hard for.
“These children are so proud to be here and to have spent the morning with the Governor and Directors Gillespie and Martin,” said Rep. McGill. “And there are many more just like them – younger children and older children – who could have been here. We’re very proud of the hard work they are putting in and that our mentors and partners are doing to help our young men and women.”
Blue pinwheels were handed out during the event as the symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. Pinwheels are a happy, uplifting symbol of the innocence of childhood.
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