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April marks the anniversary of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since its inception in 1985, organizations dedicated to protecting children have used this special time of year to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse. We here at ACCS are no exception. Our workers devote their time and efforts to keep children safe and to strengthen families. However, we cannot win this fight alone. That is why we use this month as an opportunity to promote public awareness of the need for child abuseprevention.
We will kick off our awareness and prevention campaign on Tuesday, April 3rd at 11 AM with our Pinwheels for Prevention Launch. Each of the colorfu lpinwheels, which will be planted on the lawn in front of the East State street sign, represent a case of reported child abuse in 2006.
In addition to the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, ACCS, alongside Help Me Grow, will celebrate the Week of the Young Child in an effort to recognize the needs of young children and also to thank educators and others involved in building better futures for all children. This year’s week long celebration will take place April 22nd through April 28th.
Finally, we will celebrate our largest endeavor to honor Child Abuse Prevention Month, this year’s 19th annual KIDFEST! Held annually at the Ohio University Convocation Center, this year's event is scheduled for Saturday, April 28th from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. Admission is $2.
Thousands of children attend Kidfest each year. It is a fun-filled event that teaches fire safety, traffic safety, disability awareness, and other themes, through interactive and educational play presented by local community members, organizations, and businesses.
In addition to appearances by Scooby Doo and Shaggy too, many acts will be performing on the Convocation Center floor throughout the day.
Proceeds from the event will benefit special needs children and their families by sending them to fun summer camps, buying medical equipment, services, etc.
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