On Friday, April 8th, Steps to HOPE, along with several other service organizations from the area, set up information booths at the 2019 Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Walk at Stearns Park. Participants were provided with informational materials, giveaways for adults and children, free food, lawn games, music and a bouncy house. For the past several years, during April (the month designated nationally as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month), The Polk County Community Child Fatality Prevention and Protection Team has hosted a walk to raise awareness and promote prevention of child abuse and neglect.  

 

The Polk County Department of Social Services reports that there are currently 46 children in foster care, 8 of whom are eligible for adoption. In 2018, there were 291 reports of child abuse made to DSS and 209 of those were accepted for investigation and assessment. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable and especially for children, animals, or helpless people who cannot defend or support themselves. 

 

Steps to HOPE provides help and hope to those who find themselves in terrible domestic situations.  If you or someone you know is being abused, please call our 24-hour helpline at 828-894-2340. If you believe in and would like to help further Steps to HOPE’s mission to end domestic violence and sexual assault and to promote healthy families, please call or visit stepstohope.org online. There are countless opportunities to donate your resources or talents, sponsor programs, volunteer, or participate in events. Call today for more information! 

 – Submitted by Paula Ravan / Photo by Peyton Dill