National Child Abuse Prevention Month is observed by locals
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

A ceremony calling attention to child abuse and neglect was held Thursday, March 29, on the lawn of the Jenkins County Courthouse. As part of the activity, 102 pairs of shoes were placed on the courthouse steps, representing the 102 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in Jenkins County in 2006. (Staff photos by Deborah Bennett)

One hundred and two pairs of shoes, representing the 102 substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in Jenkins County, lined the steps of the Jenkins County Courthouse during a ceremony held Thursday, March 29. The program was part of the local observance of National Child Abuse and Prevention Month.

The shoes will be displayed on the steps of various churches throughout the county during the month to raise awareness about the occurrence of child abuse and neglect.

In comments to those gathered for the activity, Jenkins County Commission Chairman James Henry said, " We need to be very unsettled by the number of reported cases for Jenkins County. It is a problem that we must deal with. One child is too many."

Mayor King Rocker agreed and commented, "Our kids our the most valuable resource. We appreciate what everyone is doing in this area."

From left, Nicole Wilson and Abby Wiggins place their pinwheels on the lawn of the Jenkins County Courthouse.

Mayor Rocker also read several "key points" on the subject as follows:

+ Child abuse is preventable;

+ Everyone is responsible for the children of this community;

+ There is no substitute for a stable, loving family and supportive community and;

+ Everyone is part of the solution for child abuse and neglect.

Carolyn Fields, former director of the Jenkins County Family and Children Services, expressed appreciation to the various agencies and organizations working together throughout the community to combat the problem.

"It is a community effort, and we appreciate you," she said.

While Fields noted that the statistics were beginning to decline for the county, she also called attention to the fact that the prevention effort must continue to be ongoing.

At the close of the program, attendees were invited to place 95 pinwheels on the lawn of the courthouse, representing the number of reports investigated in Jenkins County for 2006. The pinwheels will remain on the lawn throughout the month of April.