Child Abuse Prevention Walk set for April 26

ASHEBORO — April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, time again to walk for children.

To commemorate the month, community partners are holding the 2024 Child Abuse Prevention Walk on Friday, April 26, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Asheboro Recreation Center, 148 North St. Advocates will be on-site to share information and resources. The walk will begin immediately following opening ceremonies.

Sponsoring partners are the Asheboro Police Department, Randolph County Family Crisis Center, Randolph County Emergency Services, Randolph County Public Health, Randolph County Partnership for Children, Randolph County Department of Social Service, Emmy’s House Children’s Advocacy Center, North Carolina Guardian Ad Litem and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.

The event will begin with an opening ceremony at 9:30 am, followed by a mile walk that will focus on advocating for prevention, building community capacity, and raising awareness to prevent child abuse and neglect, strengthen families, and foster healthy children and youth.

“We are thrilled to once again, unite with our community for the Child Abuse Prevention Walk, as we join forces to raise awareness and take meaningful steps toward preventing child abuse and neglect,” said Jaynetta Butler, DSS assistant director

In fiscal year 2023, approximately 1.8 million children received assessment services nationwide, and roughly 58 percent of those victims required post-assessment services, such as family preservation, family support services, or foster care. In Randolph County alone, social workers received and completed assessments on more than 1,310 reports of abuse and neglect in 2023, with roughly 16 percent of those cases needing post-assessment services.

Tracie Murphy, director of DSS, said “that by leveraging the expertise and collaboration of Emmy’s House, law enforcement, legal professionals, social workers, and other key stakeholders, we are amplifying our impact and reinforcing our commitment to building resilient communities where every child can thrive, free from the scourge of abuse and neglect.

“Child abuse prevention and response belong to us all. Randolph County DSS encourages community members to participate in this event and support the critical work of community-based agencies that offer additional services to families in need to help keep children safe and families thriving.”

Anyone with concerns of child abuse, neglect, and dependency can report to the Child Abuse Hotline at 336-683-8200 or by calling 911 outside of normal business hours. For more information on the Child Abuse Prevention Walk, contact Randolph County DSS at 336-683-8000, or visit the website, www.randolphcountync.gov/Departments/Social-Services.