BUCKHANNON — The City of Buckhannon on Monday proclaimed April 2022 as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month throughout the municipality.

Pictured above, from left, are Peggy Rittenhouse, Ginny Dixon, Upshur County Family Resource Network executive director Lori Ulderich Harvey, Buckhannon mayor Robbie Skinner, Anne Chopyak and city recorder Randy Sanders appeared at the proclamation ceremony Monday morning at City Hall.

The proclamation appears in full below:

WHEREAS, during child abuse and neglect prevention month, it is important to talk about what each and every one of us can to make sure that children in our community grow up healthy, safe and loved;

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a symptom of a larger problem — the lack of resources in and support for families in our community — and the majority of child abuse cases stem from situations and conditions that are preventable in an engaged and supportive community;

WHEREAS, when the well-being of children and families becomes the priority of everyone in the community, the number of child abuse and neglect cases will decrease, and other good things will happen such as better health outcomes, improved school performance, etc.;

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure each family has the support they need to raise their children in a healthy environment;

WHEREAS, this month, it is important that every member of our community consider what they can do to improve our collective well-being which can be achieved by volunteering, making donations, or advocating for family-friendly policies and programs – everyone can take their turn making a difference; and

WHEREAS, child abuse prevention month is an especially good time to talk about the five Protective Factors (Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development; Parental Resilience; Social Connections; Social and Emotional Development of Children; and Concrete Support in Times of Need) and how, when present, they increase the health and well-being of children and families.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF BUCKHANNON, WV does hereby proclaim the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Buckhannon and 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.