BAD AXE, MICHIGAN. APRIL 6, 2023 – April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Huron County Prosecutor’s Office joined the Child Abuse & Neglect (CAN) Council, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Huron County Sherriff’s Department, Bad Axe Police Department and others, to encourage everyone across Michigan’s Thumb region, and beyond, to take simple actions that every day can make a difference in the lives of children.
Prosecutor Rutkowski and others planting blue pinwheels
“We were at the Huron County Courthouse this past Monday in order to bring attention to the simple things that you and I can do to ensure great childhoods for all children,” said Huron County Prosecutor Timothy Rutkowski. “Our children are our future, and if we work to make the ordinary extraordinary not just during April but every day, we can go a long way toward creating the kind of world where all children are celebrated and where abuse and neglect never occurs.”
Emily Yeager, President & CEO of the CAN Council declared that “At the very heart of prevention is a simple vision and hope we all must share—that every child experiences a healthy, connected, loving childhood. The pinwheel symbol represents exactly that, the loving childhood every child deserves.”
Monday’s event was one of a number of blue pinwheel events taking place across Michigan and the country calling on everyone to act on behalf of our state’s and nation’s children throughout the month of April. Since 2008, the blue pinwheels have been a symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
“The pinwheel symbolizes the bright futures we want for all children,” said Mr. Rutkowski. “It was wonderful to see all the people and agencies here on Monday to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month. But to really see change for children in this country, we all must do our part not only during April but during the entire year.”
“We recognize and appreciate the efforts of the CAN Council of the Great Lakes Bay Region, which Huron County is a part of, in offering special programs to help keep all children in the region safe,” continued Mr. Rutkowski. “The programs include: The Child Advocacy Center (CAC), Court Assisted Special Advocates (CASA), and Family Support and Prevention programs. Working together we can all make a difference in the life of a child.”
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
This year Michigan adopted the Prevent Child Abuse America theme of Building Together: Prevention in Partnership. This theme speaks to the fact that promoting and building upon the strengths of families all year long and providing tools necessary to care for their children safely before abuse or neglect is even a possibility.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month and throughout the year, all adults should work to ensure that every child has the equal opportunity to grow and reach their full potential. Learn more at Prevent Child Abuse America, the CAN Council, or download the 2023 Children Trust Michigan Child Abuse Prevention Month Toolkit.
