MANSFIELD — As April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month comes to an end, Richland County Children Services (RCCS) is reminding the community that this year’s theme – “Together We Protect Their Tomorrows” – is more than a slogan. It’s a promise.
“April is a time when we shine a light on the issue of child abuse and neglect,” said Brigitte Coles, Community Engagement Supervisor. “But the truth is, children need our protection every single day of the year.
“Their safety, their happiness, and their future depends on all of us working together.”
For many, the theme resonates deeply because it speaks to the power of unity.
“No one person can do it all. But when neighbors, teachers, parents and community members join forces, we create a safety net that no child can fall through.”
Here are a few simple but powerful ways we can all help keep kids safe:
Stay engaged — Check in regularly with the children in your life and listen without judgment.
Know the signs — Learn to recognize indicators of abuse or neglect and trust your instincts.
Speak up — If you suspect harm, report it. Your voice could be the one that changes a child’s life.
Support families — Offer help, encouragement, and resources to parents and caregivers.
This year, RCCS introduced the online, printable Child Abuse Prevention Pledge Card, “Together We Protect Their Tomorrows.” The pledge card — available at www.richlandcountychildrenservices.org — invites all Richland County residents to take an active stand in keeping children safe by:
Downloading and printing the pledge.
Signing their name as a personal commitment to protecting children.
Displaying the pledge card in homes, businesses, schools, and community spaces.
Taking a photo of their pledge card on display and sharing it on social media to raise awareness.
Emailing their photo to RCCS for a chance to be featured on the Richland County Children Services Facebook page.
RCCS encourages the community to continue supporting and sharing this initiative throughout the year, keeping child protection at the forefront every day—not just during awareness month.
The message is simple but powerful: stay connected to the children in your life, learn the signs of abuse, speak up if something feels wrong, and support families before problems escalate.
For more information on how to recognize and prevent child abuse, or to get involved in local prevention efforts, 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.