Franklin County Glows Blue, Raises Awareness, Spotlights Partnerships for Child Abuse Prevention Month

From buildings and bridges glowing blue to powerful messages about coming together as a community to support families, Child Abuse Prevention Month in Franklin County featured several impactful efforts that raised awareness and showcased Franklin County Children Services and its community partnerships to keep children safer from abuse and neglect.

This year, the agency embraced the theme “Building A Hopeful Future Together” from our partners at Prevent Child Abuse America, spreading the message of creating nurturing and supportive environments for all families.

2024 Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast

A highlight of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the annual Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast attracted nearly 300 guests to Mitchell Hall on the Columbus State campus. 

With opening remarks by Executive Director Chip Spinning outlining the agency’s new Call to Action, keynote speaker Dr. Amy Acton - former Ohio Dept. of Health Director and recognized community leader - shared a powerful message about her personal story in the child welfare system, the importance of transparency and vulnerability in sharing information, and the strength of community when everyone rallies behind important causes.

The breakfast also featured the presentation of approximately $28,000 in scholarships for college-bound youth and awards for families, community partners, and staff who embody the FCCS mission of protecting children by strengthening families. 

The Breakfast was streamed on Facebook Live, also an agency first. You can watch the 2024 Child Abuse Prevention Breakfast by clicking here.

“Glow Blue” for Child Abuse Prevention

Also an agency first, several buildings “glowed blue” for Child Abuse Prevention Month, including blue lights glowing at the 855 West Mound administration building (pictured below) and sending an enlightening message to the thousands of drivers who pass by each night on I-70. 

Our “Glow Blue” efforts also included Columbus City Hall, the Broad Street Bridge and the LeVeque Tower, the William Green Workers Comp Building, and the Franklin County Government Center.

“Wear Blue” Awareness Billboards

Adding to a month-long statewide effort by the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, FCCS designed six special billboards for Franklin County which featured our theme, local partners, and a reminder to visit our website for information. 

A special prevention message was also featured on the digital billboard downtown to Wear Blue on April 10 as part of the Wear Blue Day for Child Abuse Prevention.

Pinwheel Planting at Columbus City Hall

As a visual reminder of the importance of keeping kids safe from abuse and neglect, FCCS and The Center for Healthy Families  partnered on a pinwheel planting event on April 6 at Columbus City Hall.

With roughly 800 pinwheels planted, this event has become an annual tradition and serves as a visual reminder of the world we want for all children to grow up happy, healthy, and prepared to succeed.

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