April Is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

pinwheels2
pinwheels2

April is Child Abuse Prevention  Awareness Month, and there are several activities taking place at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan. Prevention and Outreach Specialist Allie Kibler-Campbell tells WSJM News they were planting a pinwheel garden outside the office on M-139 south of St. Joseph, and holding free training sessions throughout the month. She says each session includes a group discussion, a workbook to take home, an informational video, and a certificate of participation.

“It’s all about sexual abuse prevention, and it teaches adults who work with children how to recognize the signs of a child who’s been abused, and what to do if they have a suspicion,” Kibler-Campbell said.

There will be four sessions throughout April, and anyone who wants to sign up should call the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan at 269-556-9640. You can also email akiblercampbell@swmichigancac.org. The sessions will be held on April 11, April 17, and April 29. The Children’s Advocacy Center works with police and prosecutors when they’re managing child abuse cases, and it also provides counselling. The non-profit will hold a fundraiser at Journeyman Distillery on April 18.