The month of April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and Scotty’s House partnered with local law enforcement and child service agencies to raise awareness in our community.
Volunteer Services Coordinator, Melanie Scarpace, said last year, they saw 450 children at Scotty’s House, which is only ten percent of the actual victims out there.
“These children who experience this kind of trauma early on in their life, they’re more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol, they’re more likely to become incarcerated as adults, and they are also more likely to become offenders. And so we know, that if we can get these intervention services in place and get these kids into counseling, we have a really good chance of breaking that cycle of abuse,” said Scarpace.
See below for a full schedule of events this month.
Click below to hear comments from Melanie Scarpace visiting with WTAW’s Chelsea Reber.
Courtesy of Scotty’s House:
April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and once again Scotty’s House Child Advocacy Center will partner with local law enforcement and child service agencies to raise awareness of the serious problem of child abuse and neglect in our community.
In Texas, more than 4 children die from child abuse or neglect on average every week, 176 children are confirmed victims every day, and 7 children are abused or neglected every hour. Child abuse is entirely preventable, but not without your help. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Scotty’s House recognizes this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the tragedies of child abuse and neglect, and in doing so we hope to brighten the future for generations to come. This month-long observance engages the Brazos Valley community to show support and concern for our most vulnerable citizens. In addition to the following events, we will also have book displays at both local libraries (Larry J. Ringer Library in College Station and Clara B. Mounce Library in Bryan).
The following is a list of events planned for Child Abuse Prevention Month:
Monday, April 4th
10:00am Pinwheel Garden
Scotty’s House and Voices for Children (CASA), along with representatives from Kappa Alpha Theta, will “plant” the seventh annual Pinwheel Garden on the lawn at Prosperity Bank, located at 2807 S. Texas Ave. in Bryan. A dedication ceremony will be held during the event. The Pinwheel Garden will remain planted during the month of April.
Tuesday, April 5th
10:30am Grimes County Blue Ribbon Tree
The Grimes County Blue Ribbon Tree will be dedicated at 10:30am at the Grimes County Law Enforcement Center in Anderson. A reception following the tree dedication ceremony will be held in the Grimes County Law Enforcement Center.
1:00pm Burleson County Blue Ribbon Tree
The Burleson County Blue Ribbon Tree will be dedicated at 1:00pm at the Burleson County Courthouse in Caldwell. A reception following the tree dedication ceremony will be held at the Burleson County Courthouse.
Wednesday, April 6th
10:00am Madison County Blue Ribbon Tree
The Madison County Blue Ribbon Tree will be dedicated at 10:00am at the Madison County Courthouse in Madisonville. A reception following the tree dedication ceremony will be held in the County Courtroom at the Madison County Courthouse.
1:00pm Leon County Blue Ribbon Tree
The Leon County Blue Ribbon Tree will be dedicated at 1:00pm at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville. A reception following the tree dedication ceremony will be held at the gazebo at the Leon County Courthouse.
3:00pm Robertson County Blue Ribbon Tree
The Robertson County Blue Ribbon Tree will be dedicated at 3:00pm at the Robertson County Courthouse in Franklin. A reception following the tree dedication ceremony will be held at the Robertson County Courthouse.
Thursday, April 7th
10:30am Washington County Blue Ribbon Tree
The Washington County Blue Ribbon Tree will be dedicated at 10:30am at the Washington County Courthouse in Brenham. A reception following the tree dedication ceremony will be held at the Washington County Courthouse Annex.
Friday, April 8th
10:00am Brazos County Blue Ribbon Tree
The Brazos County Blue Ribbon Tree will be dedicated at 10:30am at the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. A reception following the tree dedication ceremony will be held at the Sheriff’s Office.
It’s your turn to make a difference! Everyone has a role to play in child abuse prevention. To find out how to get involved in child abuse prevention efforts in your community, contact Scotty’s House at 979-703-8813, or visit www.scottyshouse.org. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it is your responsibility to make a report to the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400, or online at www.txabusehotline.org.