Pinwheels Planted For Child Abuse Prevention Month

​Sacramento County recognizes April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year, the County's Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) spread awareness about child abuse prevention by planting pinwheels outside of all Sacramento County DCFAS buildings. The pinwheel symbolizes childhood innocence and joy.

The pinwheels will remain planted throughout April as part of an effort to continue to raise awareness about preventing child abuse and neglect. The pinwheel plantings took place on April 9, with dozens of workers participating at each building.

"Together, we can all raise awareness for child abuse prevention," said Child Protective Services Deputy Director Melissa Lloyd​.

The recognition month also serves as a reminder that everyone can work together to keep children in our community safe.

Here are tips about what you can do to prevent child abuse and neglect:

• Be a friend to a parent you know, offer support when needed
• Be a friend to a child you know, show you care about their interests and well-being
• Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another and the children where you live
• Donate items to families in need to alleviate financial stress
• Volunteer your time and resources for programs supporting children and families in your community

To learn more about Sacramento County's dedication to preventing child abuse, visit the Child Protective Services webpage. To report child abuse in Sacramento County, call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 916-875-5437, and in case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.