Child Abuse Prevention

WHAT:           

Six local social service agencies are hosting a collaborative event aimed at increasing awareness of child maltreatment during Child Abuse Prevention Month on April 4. For the Sake of the Children is a joint effort of ACH Child and Family Services, Alliance For Children, CASA of Tarrant County, Gladney Center for Adoption, Lena Pope and The Parenting Center. A panel discussion featuring the chief executive from each organization will explore how each agency and the community can work together to prevent child abuse. It will be followed by a networking hour. The event is an informative kickoff to Child Abuse Prevention Month, offering ways for the community to get involved.

 WHO:             

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price will open the event. Mattie Parker, Chief of Staff for Mayor Price, will facilitate the panel discussion.

 WHEN:           

Wednesday, April 4

3:30-5:30 p.m. (Panel discussion at 3:30 p.m.; Networking at 4:30 p.m.)

 WHERE:          

ACH Child and Family Services, Jo and Holt Hickman Center, 3712 Wichita Street, Fort Worth, 76119

 BACKGROUND:

Last year, Tarrant County ranked third in the number of confirmed child abuse cases in Texas. Numerous agencies are involved in working to decrease that number. Partner agencies for this event represent a wide continuum of care serving children and families in greater Fort Worth. Their vital programs and services are aimed at preventing child abuse or helping a child who has experienced abuse or neglect to heal and thrive. Prevention and early intervention education and counseling services offered by Lena Pope and The Parenting Center give parents the tools they need to build positive, nurturing families. In situations of reported child abuse, Alliance For Children coordinates investigations and ensures child victims and their non-offending caregivers receive needed services. CASA of Tarrant County provides court-appointed volunteer advocates who speak for the best interests of abused children through the judicial process. In instances when family reunification isn’t possible, ACH Child and Family Services provides foster care to children who need healing, and Gladney Center for Adoption can provide children with loving adoptive families. The agencies represent 426 years of combined service to the community.