Ceremony, procession kickstarts Child Abuse Prevention Month

On April 1 from the County Courthouse steps, Jacob Raitz, acting president of the Child Welfare Board, read a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, which was enacted by the Commissioners Court on March 24

County Judge Richard Evans, who was scheduled to read the proclamation, was sick.

The proclamation states child abuse and neglect are prevalent yet preventable issues affecting communities across Texas; that what is best for children is best for the county; caregivers, families, communities and government agencies must work together to create safe, stable, and nurturing environments for all children; research demonstrates building family protective factors supports in times of need, can promote the optimal development of children and reduce the likelihood of child abuse and neglect; and maltreatment can be prevented by ensuring families are supported in building protective factors.

“Whereas, the pinwheel has come to serve as the physical embodiment, or reminder of the great childhoods we want for all children and throughout the month of April, we embrace Prevent Child Abuse America's Pinwheels for Prevention campaign,” said Ruiz. “This month, Bandera County joins the State of Texas in reaffirming our commitment to making a difference in the lives of kids across our state and county by working to strengthen families and the communities in which they live.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Bandera County joined the ceremony with the Bandera County Child Welfare Board, joining a procession of children that walked from the courthouse lawn down Main Street and back. The group was accompanied by a police escort with lights flashing.