MANSFIELD — Richland County Children Services (RCCS) is launching its 2026 Child Abuse Awareness Month Campaign, “Together We Protect Their Tomorrows,” a comprehensive initiative focused on strengthening community awareness, promoting prevention, and protecting the thousands of children in Richland County who are affected by or at risk of abuse and neglect each year.
The campaign begins with a public kick-off rally on April 1, at 9 a.m. at the YMCA of North Central Ohio, 750 Scholl Rd. in Mansfield, featuring State Representative Melanie Miller of Ohio’s 67th House District as the guest speaker.
Representative Miller, a longtime advocate for children’s welfare and education, will address the importance of community involvement in preventing child abuse and supporting families.
“Together We Protect Their Tomorrows,” reflects a simple but powerful message: child protection is not the responsibility of one agency alone. Instead, it requires the combined efforts of families, neighbors, government officials, educators, faith communities and local organizations.
In support of this effort, the Richland County Commissioners will present a Proclamation at their meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 9:30 a.m. to Executive Director Tara Lautzenhiser.
Campaign activities
RCCS is marking National Child Abuse Prevention Month with a variety of awareness and prevention activities:
Child Abuse Prevention Month Rally will be held Wednesday, April 1, at 9 a.m. at the YMCA of North Central Ohio – Mansfield Branch at 750 Scholl Road. RCCS and YMCA of North Central Ohio 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.
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 in 2025.
Child Abuse Prevention Pledge Together We Protect Their Tomorrows, April 1.
Available on the RCCS website www.richlandcountychildrenservices.org , the pledge card invites residents to download the card, sign it as a commitment to protecting children, display the pledge in homes, businesses, schools, churches, and public spaces and encourage others to join the movement. RCCS hopes to see pledge cards displayed across the county as a visible sign or unity and shared responsibility.
Wear Blue Day, April 8. 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 Cookie -Wear Blue Day, April 8 at Buckeye Bakery, 21 E. 4th Street, Mansfield RCCS has teamed up with Buckeye Bakery for Wear Blue Day on Wednesday, April 8, to give the first 100 customers wearing blue a free cookie in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
YMCA of North Central Ohio Healthy Kids Day, April 18, noon to 2 p.m., OSU Mansfield Recreation Center, 1760 University Drive Mansfield RCCS will take part in YMCA of North Central Ohio Healthy Kids Day. Healthy Kids Day is a free, family‑focused community event that promotes youth development, healthy living, and strong family engagement.
RCCS will share resources and information on Child Abuse Prevention, helping families learn practical ways to keep children safe, supported, and thriving.
The 27th annual Community Health Fair, Providence Baptist Church, 112 W. 6th Street, Mansfield, Saturday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. RCCS will be participating in the Mansfield NAACP community health fair 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.
New for 2026: Printable “Together We Protect Their Tomorrows” Pledge Card
A key feature of this year’s campaign is the introduction of the online printable Child Abuse Prevention Pledge Card, titled “Together We Protect Their Tomorrows.”
The pledge card is available on the RCCS website www.richlandcountychildrenservices.org and invites residents to:
Download and print the pledge.
Sign their name as a personal commitment to protecting children.
Display the pledge card in homes, businesses, schools, and community spaces.
Take a photo of your pledge card on display and share it on your social media platforms to help spread awareness.
Email your photo to RCCS if you would like it featured on the Richland County Children Services Facebook page.
The pledge card serves as a visible reminder that child safety is a community priority and that every individual can play a role in preventing abuse.
“The pledge card is a simple but powerful way for people to show their commitment to protecting children,” said Brigitte Coles, Richland County Community Engagement Supervisor.
“Seeing these cards displayed throughout the county sends a strong message that Richland County stands united for child safety.”
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.