Beech Tree News Network

On Tuesday, April 4, surrounded by many guests, Butler County Judge Executive Tim Flener, Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps, and Butler County Family Court Judge Benjamin McKown signed a proclamation calling upon the citizens of Morgantown and Butler County to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month by, as outlined on the proclamation, continuing to build awareness and a network of services in the community that can better address the needs of children and families in distress.”

Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Blue-Ribbon Campaign were started by Virginia grandmother Bonnie Finney after she lost her three-year-old grandson Michael to abuse. In April, people wear and display blue ribbons, inspired by Finney’s sadness at seeing the purple and blue bruises on her grandchildren. 

The ribbons are a reminder, in Finney’s own words to “join with me … we must protect our most precious gift of all … our children. Please wear a blue ribbon … put one on your car … give one to your friends … tell them what it means … you may be saving a child’s life! If you suspect anything is happening to your children … your grandchildren … the child next door … PLEASE ACT!”Sarah Duncan, Supervisor of the Butler County Protection and Permanency Office, and coordinator of the event, shared startling statistics. “In 2022 in Butler County alone, there were 149 reports that met acceptance criteria to be investigated by the Cabinet. This includes 116 Butler County families and 205 Butler County children that were identified to be at risk of child abuse and/or neglect.” 

Duncan continued, “child abuse is 100% preventable through education and community support. The agencies represented today provide services to children and parents that include parenting education, children’s educational programs, support groups, community awareness, crisis intervention and safe environments for children and their families.” 

Duncan thanked those gathered and the community for joining in the effort to take a stand against child abuse. 

For more information about Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Blue-Ribbon Campaign, click here or call the Butler County Protection and Permanency Office at 270-526-3833. To reported suspected child abuse, call the statewide Child Abuse Hotline toll free at (877) 597-2331.