It starts with us: Local leaders call for community wide approach to child abuse prevention

MANSFIELD — We are all responsible for preventing child abuse.

That was the prevailing message at Wednesday’s rally hosted by Richland County Children Services in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month.

Awareness efforts often focus on recognizing the signs of child abuse and reporting them to local authorities.

But local leaders also urged community members to do their part to prevent abuse and neglect by supporting families and children amid tough times.

“Prevention isn’t dramatic,” said Tara Lautzenhiser, executive director of Richland County Children Services. “It doesn’t make the news. It doesn’t happen in a single moment. It happens in a hundred small moments.”

Lautzenhiser said that abuse and neglect rarely occurs because a parent or caregiver wishes to harm their child. It often occurs when families face significant stress, isolation, financial struggles and a lack of support.

Helping families in need can be as simple as bringing a meal or offering to babysit. Residents can support youth by volunteering in the school system or through a community-based mentorship program.

“More than our words, (children) see our actions,” said Pastor Raymond Cochran Jr. of Oasis of Love Church. “Our actions tell the whole story.”

Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry was one of several local officials to present Richland County Children Services with a proclamation recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“Strong families and strong communities are the foundation of healthy childhoods,” Perry said. “Preventing abuse is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of parents, caregivers, educators, service providers, neighbors, leaders and local government.”

Rep. Melanie Miller offers update on child-focused initiatives at the statehouse

Rep. Melanie Miller of Ashland emphasized the role that both ordinary citizens and lawmakers play in safeguarding the well-being of children.

“Prevention starts with people. People who are willing to step in, to rise up, to speak up and to stand in the gap for a child,” said Miller, who serves in the Ohio House of Representatives.

“It can be easy to look away, to say ‘I’m sure someone else will do something or say something.’ But what if someone else doesn’t?”

Miller highlighted several recent actions taken by state lawmakers to support children across Ohio, including the allocation of funds for the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund and Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers in the state budget.

She also spoke about legislation including Trey’s Law, which would nullify any non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement that would prevent victims of child sexual abuse from speaking about that abuse.

Miller introduced the legislation last month along with Rep. Roy Klopfenstein. The legislation was named after a child sexual abuse victim from Texas, Trey Carlock, who committed suicide at age 28. Five states have adopted similar laws, while six other states have versions under consideration.

Another piece of legislation making its way through the state capitol would implement “Joshua Alert” requirements.

The law would include information in missing child alerts clarifying if a child has Autism Spectrum Disorder or another developmental disability if that disability limits the child’s ability to communicate, seek help or keep themselves safe.

Children Services asks for community pledges to prevent child abuse

Children’s health experts recommend various strategies for parents, caregivers and community members to prevent child abuse.

Recognizing warning signs is a critical step.

Unexplained injuries, depression, fear of a certain adult, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy and hostility can all be signs of family problems and may indicate a child is being neglected or abused, according to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Richland County Children Services is asking community members to sign a child abuse prevention pledge for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“The pledge card is a simple but powerful way for people to show their commitment to protecting children,” said Brigitte Coles, Richland County Children Services community engagement supervisor.

“Seeing these cards displayed throughout the county sends a strong message that Richland County stands united for child safety.”