Casey Fields, 2, daughter of Shane Fields and Angel Fields, is shown checking out the 34 pairs of shoes that lined the steps of the Jenkins County Courthouse during the annual Pinwheels for Prevention program held last week. Each represented a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect in Jenkins County in 2009. (Staff photos by Deborah Bennett) Thirty-four pairs of children’s shoes lined the steps of the Jenkins County Courthouse during the annual Pinwheels for Prevention program held last week, a solemn reminder that child abuse and neglect does occur in Jenkins County. Each represented a confirmed case of child abuse or neglect in 2009.

While the number of child abuse and neglect cases has fallen in recent years, Carolyn Fields, noted, “The problem still exists,” and called attention to the fact that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Fields reported that in 2009, 68 cases of child abuse or neglect were referred for investigation or diversion locally and that 27 of those cases were substantiated, representing 34 children.

From left, Reid Weathersby, Kayla Boynton, Taylor Gay and Madison Boynton place their pinwheels in the ground in recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Reid is the son of John and Correy Weathersby. Taylor is the daughter of Kyle and Misty Gay, and Kayla and Madison are the children of Brad and Fran Boynton. “Our numbers are down. We can celebrate that, but even one case is too many,” Fields said.

Fields joined Bill Hillis, Jenkins County Department of Family and Children Services director, in attributing the drop to community involvement.

Following the program, 34 pinwheels were placed in the ground by those attending, representing the 34 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect in Jenkins County in 2009.