MANSFIELD — This month and throughout the year, Richland County Children Services (RCCS) encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Richland County a better place for children and families.
We highlight the resilience of families and uplift the vital work being done throughout Richland County to keep children safe and families together.
This year’s theme is “Doing Things Differently: Believing in Communities.” This theme reflects the idea that communities can come together to support family well-being rather than focus only on responding to incidents of child abuse and neglect.
The well-being of children cannot be separated from the well-being of their families and communities.
Some of the most effective prevention efforts work at the community level, strengthening the family’s social network and utilizing that network as a source of support. All families should also have access to tailored prevention programs and services.
When a community supports its parents and children, it is easier for all families to thrive. When families thrive, communities thrive.
By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by making meaningful connections with children, youth and families in our communities.
“Preventing child abuse and neglect is crucial for ensuring the healthy development and well-being of children.
Children are vulnerable and rely on adults for protection, care, and nurturing.
Abuse and neglect can have long-lasting emotional, physical, and psychological effects, often resulting in trauma that can affect a child’s ability to learn, form healthy relationships, and thrive in life.
By preventing child abuse and neglect, we can foster safer, more supportive environments where children can grow into confident, resilient adults.
“Early intervention, awareness, education, and community support are key to stopping abuse before it starts, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to live a life free from harm,” said Tara A. Lautzenhiser, Executive Director, Richland County Children Services.
To help spread awareness for child abuse prevention, Richland County Children Services (RCCS) is teaming up with Malabar Intermediate School for a rally and the YMCA of North Central Ohio – Mansfield Branch for “Pinwheels for Prevention.”
RCCS staff will place 1,120 Blue Pinwheels on the lawn of the Mansfield YMCA at 750 Scholl Road. The 1,120 Blue Pinwheels represent every report of abuse or neglect received by the Agency in 2024.
“The YMCA is proud to support the Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse prevention and promoting the health, safety, and well-being of children in our communities,” said Cristen Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of North Central Ohio.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening families and supporting young people, the YMCA is excited to stand with organizations across the nation in promoting positive childhood experiences and building brighter futures for all children.”
Richland County Children Services (RCCS) is also inviting individuals, churches, organizations, businesses, and schools to tie a blue ribbon on their door, mailbox, tree or fence during the month of April.
The Blue Pinwheels and Blue Ribbon are national symbols for child abuse prevention. That serve as a reminder that all of us have a responsibility in helping protect children.
In support of this effort, the Richland County Commissioners will present a Proclamation at their meeting on Thursday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m. to Executive Director Tara Lautzenhiser.
RCCS is marking National Child Abuse Prevention Month with several activities:
April 1 rally
Child Abuse Prevention Month Rally will be held Tuesday, April 1, at 9 a.m. at Malabar Intermediate, 205 West Cook. RCCS and Malabar Intermediate are teaming up for the rally to celebrate the resilience of families and uplift the vital work being done throughout Richland County to keep children safe and families together.
The celebration will feature proclamations presented by government officials in recognition of the month-long observance, special guest speakers and a presentation from Malabar students.
Pinwheels for Prevention
Pinwheels for Prevention, April 1. Blue Pinwheels will be on display on the front lawn of the YMCA of North Central Ohio – Mansfield Branch at 750 Scholl Road.
The pinwheels represent every report of child abuse and neglect received by the agency in Richland County.
Blue ribbons/blue trees
Blue Ribbons/Blue Ribbon Trees for Prevention, April 1. Blue ribbons will be on display at the County Administration Building, 50 Park Avenue East, in downtown Mansfield for Child Abuse Prevention Month courtesy of RCCS, and Tara’s Floral.
The community can participate by displaying blue ribbons on a tree, door, fence, on your vehicle or mailbox. The blue ribbon is the international symbol for child abuse prevention.
Wear Blue Day
Wear Blue Day Wednesday, April 9. Wear Blue Day is an annual statewide event to spread awareness on the important issues of child abuse, neglect and dependency.
On this day local businesses, offices, schools, agencies, factories, retail outlets and media partners are asked to Wear Blue to show unity against child abuse and neglect.
Participants can take pictures of themselves, their group, classmates or co-workers wearing blue and send them via email to Brigitte.Coles@jfs.ohio.gov and paula.caldwell@jfs.ohio.gov for publication on the agency’s website and Facebook page.
Free blue-pinwheel cookies
Free Blue-Pinwheel Cookie -Wear Blue Day, April 9 at Buckeye Bakery, 21 E. 4th Street, Mansfield RCCS has teamed up with Buckeye Bakery for Wear Blue Day on Wednesday, April 9, to give the first 100 customers wearing blue a free cookie in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Easter Drive-Thru
Easter Drive-Thru Celebration, April 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., lower South Park Mansfield Parks & Recreation, RCCS and community partners will host an Easter Drive-Thru Celebration at lower South Park located at 100 Brinkerhoff Ave.
Families are invited to come out and see the Easter Bunny. Each child in attendance will receive an Easter bag, small toys, and treats. Participants will be required to stay in their vehicles during their visit.
Minority Health Fair
The 26th annual Minority Health Fair, Providence Baptist Church, 112 W. 6th Street, Mansfield, Saturday, April 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. RCCS will be participating in the longest-running minority health fair in Richland County by participating as a community partner.
RCCS will have an informational table providing helpful tips and strategies to help keep children safe and promote family well-being.
Central Park Gazebo Goes Blue
Central Park Gazebo Goes Blue, April 1 to 30 The Central Park Gazebo in downtown Mansfield will be lit in blue lights in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities go to richlandcountychildrenservices.org.
Please call the Richland County Children Services 24-hour child abuse hotline at 419-774-4100 to report child abuse and neglect.