Mineola, NY – In recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran joined members of Children’s Protective Services (CPS), a division of the Nassau County Department of Social Services (DSS), to decorate the steps of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola with pinwheels in recognition of April being 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 2018, Nassau County’s Child Protective Services received and investigated 6,226 reports of suspected child abuse and neglect, a 5 percent increase from 2017.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that children are protected and safe,” County Executive Curran. “Spreading awareness about the services 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,” said 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.
