Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields and Morgantown Mayor Linda Keown signed a proclamation on Thursday, declaring the month of April “Child Abuse Prevention Month” in Butler County.
Approximately 3,000,000 children are reported abused or neglected in the United States each year, with 802 rports of abuse or neglect substantiated and/or in need of services in the Barren River Area Development Districts from January 2012 through December 2012, and of these reports, 57 cases were substantiated and /or in need of services in Butler County, effecting 135 children.
The proclamation also stated child abuse and neglect is a catastrophic crisis in public health in Kentucky and across the nation.
Contributing factors include issues associated with substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health concerns.
The proclamation says adults are the role model for the children and all children benefit from love and leadership displayed by caring and responsible adults.
April as Child Abuse Prevention Month calls upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live.

Pictured above: (seated) David Fields, Butler County Judge Executive; Linda Keown. Morgantown Mayor (front row) Melissa Taul, Child Advocacy Center; Sherri Troutman, Department for Community Based Services; Wanda Nevins, DCBS; Shelia Coleman, Commonwealth’s Attorney Office; Nate Kolb, Commonwealth’s Attorney Office; Brenda Keown, Lifeskills (back row) Jonathan Beville, DCBS; Charles Swiney, Morgantown Chief of Police; Sheriff Scottie Ward; Tim Coleman, Commonwealth’s Attorney; Mark Yurchisin, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney; (present) Blake Beliles, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney

Photo by Roger Southerland, Beech Tree News