Counties declare April child abuse prevention month

WASHINGTON — Organizers in Iowa are moving to raise awareness of child abuse this month, asking county supervisors across the state to sign proclamations naming April as child abuse prevention month.

Tammy Wetien-Kestorson, director of the Child Welfare Decategorization — or “Decat” — Project for four Southeast Iowa counties said the group hoped to shift focus from issues of awareness to action.

“Child abuse prevention month has geared away (from) presenting the raw statistics of how many children experience child abuse or neglect, and focusing more on what we can do to set the stage for healthy, happy childhoods,” she said at a Washington County Supervisor meeting on Tuesday. “Our board looks at three things. We look at strong families, resilient youth and supportive communities.”

The motion to make that proclamation passed 4-0 in Washington County. Wetien-Kestorson said the organization aimed to get all 99 counties to do the same.

Supervisor and Decat board member Marcus Fedler said that was an important goal.

“Some of the kids in our communities are being effected directly by some of the things that are happening,” he said. “It’s a tragedy, and anything we can do that can shine light on that would be a good thing.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com