Pictured with County Executive Curran are: (left to right) Paul Broderick, Ladonna Taylor, Marygrace Gabriel, Jeanette Feingold, DSS Commissioner John Imhof and Karen Garber.
Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, along with Dr. John E. Imhof, Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Social Services (DSS), and DSS employees, planted pinwheels in front of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pinwheels have become a national symbol intended to raise public awareness of child abuse and neglect.
Child abuse and neglect happens at every socio-economic level, across all ethnicities, cultures, religions and levels of education. Public awareness is critical to strengthening families and reducing instances of child maltreatment. In 2017, Nassau County’s Child Protective Services received and investigated 5,936 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect, a 5 percent increase from 2016.
County Executive Curran stated, “It is our responsibility to ensure that children are protected and safe. Letting parents and caretakers know that services are available throughout the county to children and families who are having difficulty can help end the tragedy of child abuse and neglect.”
“County Executive Curran is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of Nassau County’s children and families,” emphasized Social Services Commissioner Dr. John E. Imhof. “Recognizing Child Abuse Prevention month is a reminder that children should be able to grow up happy and without fear of abuse or neglect.”
If you know a child who may be abused or neglected, you can call the New York State Central Registry toll free at 1-800-342-3720. Calls made by non-mandated reporters can be anonymous. In situations of imminent danger, dial 911.