Jacobs proclaims April ‘Child Abuse Prevention Month’ in Cullman

By:
0
386
Pictured left to right are Cullman Caring for Kids Senior Director Javon Daniel, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and Cullman County CASA Coordinator Candace Lingo (Mary Beth Sellers)

CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs on Wednesday, March 26, proclaimed the month of April 2025 “National Child Abuse Prevention Month” (NCAPM) in the city of Cullman. The proclamation was presented to Javon Daniel and Candace Lingo of Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK), a local organization with a mission to see that “no child will ever be abused, no child will go to bed hungry, no infants will ever be shaken in anger and the cycle of abuse will be stopped.”

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is an annual observance aimed at educating others about the prevalence and signs of child abuse and neglect and raising awareness about the importance of preventing child maltreatment. This initiative is rooted in communities working together to serve children and their families in meaningful, impactful ways that provide families with the support they need, especially during challenging times.

“Each year that I’ve been mayor I’ve proclaimed the month of April ‘Child Abuse Prevention Month,” said Jacobs. “Child abuse and neglect are serious issues that affect many communities, including Cullman, and educating the public on how to recognize and report abuse and neglect is important to help break the cycle.”

In Alabama, the Department of Public Health lists child abuse and neglect as the No. 9 health concern. Rates have been increasing in recent years. In 2021, there were 26,116 reported cases of child abuse or neglect investigated in Alabama, and many cases that are never reported. Each year, Cullman Caring for Kids, Brooks’ Place, Cullman County CASA, DHR and other local agencies work to educate others about child maltreatment and raise awareness about the impact child abuse has on children and society.

Providing information about best practices that are known to build parental capacity through protective factors is key to helping families become more resilient. Protective factors are conditions or attributes that mitigate or eliminate maltreatment risk factors and can increase the health and well-being of children and families. They give parents the tools they need to parent effectively, even under stress. Protective factors include nurturing and attachment, knowledge of parenting and child youth development, parental resilience, social connections and concrete supports for parents.

“I hope that by promoting awareness and educating the public, everyone can become involved in preventing child abuse and neglect,” said Jacobs.

If you suspect a child is being harmed, reporting your suspicions may protect the child and get help for the family. If you suspect a child is being maltreated, contact your local DHR or law enforcement agency. In Cullman County those numbers include:

  • Cullman County DHR (256-737-5300)
  • Cullman Police Department (256-734-1434)
  • Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (256-775-4700)

“As I say each year, Cullman is fortunate to have so many people and organizations who seek to help children and families dealing with abuse and neglect,” said Jacobs. “We appreciate them all!”

For more information on these agencies, visit them online at:

For more information about National Child Abuse Awareness Month visit www.childwelfare.gov/preventionmonth.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR