02-04-2025
Children's Advocacy Center starts child abuse prevention month with pinwheel ceremony
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — April marks the start of Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Children's Advocacy Center kicked off the month with its annual Pinwheel Ceremony.
Hundreds of colorful pinwheels now decorate the CAC campus, symbolizing hope and the commitment to protecting children.
Students from local schools participated in placing the pinwheels, each representing the national symbol for child abuse prevention.
Justin DeLoach, Chief Executive Officer of the Children's Advocacy Center, emphasized the importance of the event.
'Today was our annual Pinwheel Ceremony, which kicks off Child Abuse Prevention Month for our community,' he said.
'Even though April is the national month for Child Abuse Prevention, we hope that our community observes Child Abuse Prevention 365 days of the year. Today is just to remind everybody what we can be doing to protect kids in our community,' DeLoach added.
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This statement reflects the CAC's mission to raise awareness and promote year-round vigilance against child abuse. The pinwheel, representing childhood innocence, is a symbol of the freedom every child deserves.
'Pinwheels are the whimsical feel that we hope every child in our community has,' DeLoach explained. 'Just as the wind blows through a pinwheel, we hope children in our community are free and worry-free. It is the national symbol of childhood abuse prevention.'
Sheriff Nick Hanna also spoke at the event, emphasizing the role of law enforcement in preventing child abuse.
'Our role is to intervene, identify victims, and the Children's Advocacy Center gives us tools that we use on a daily basis,' Hanna said.
The partnership between law enforcement and the CAC is crucial for identifying and helping children who have suffered abuse.
'The CAC served over 5,800 children and families through services, training, and outreach,' the Sheriff explained.
'The Department of Family and Protective Services conducted over 900 investigations in Tom Green County, with over 250 cases of child abuse,' Hanna added.
DeLoach highlighted the importance of community involvement in preventing abuse.
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'This turnout is a reminder that children still need us. We are their strongest voice, and it starts with the community. We are all mandatory reporters in Texas. If you suspect something, we hope you'll stand with our children,' DeLoach said.
The event was a reminder that child abuse prevention is a shared responsibility. The sight of hundreds of pinwheels spinning in the wind symbolizes hope for a future where every child is free from abuse.
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