By Katie Augustine, Community Engagement Strategist
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (April 6, 2023) - Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie proclaims April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourages all South Carolinians to dedicate themselves to protecting the quality of life for every child.
Child Abuse Prevention Month highlights the importance of raising awareness about the issue of child abuse and the need for everyone in our community to take action to prevent it.
South Carolina's future prosperity depends on the healthy development of the more than 1.1 million children residing in the diverse communities across our state including more than 80,000 children in Charleston County.
In fiscal year 2021-2022, there were more than 9,000 founded Child Protective Services (CPS) investigations in South Carolina and 826 in Charleston County.
Mayor Haynie praised the efforts of local organizations, such as the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, for their work in preventing child abuse and providing support to victims and their families.
“One more child abused is too many,” said Mayor Haynie. “That is why Mount Pleasant is once again being declared a Pinwheel City. Pinwheels symbolize the carefree innocence of childhood and help raise awareness of the importance of preventing child abuse.”
Pinwheels will line the front lawn of Town Hall throughout the month of April to bring attention to the cause.
For more information about child abuse prevention and local resources, visit the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center website at www.deenortoncenter.org.