AUGUSTA — Representatives of Maine law enforcement will join Child Abuse Prevention advocates at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, for a rally at the State House Hall of Flags.

April will be declared Child Abuse Prevention Month and speakers at the rally will discuss information on child abuse in Maine and programs that are working to prevent that abuse. Bonnie Smith, deputy commissioner for the state Department of Health and Human Services, will present the governor’s proclamation declaring April as child abuse prevention month.

Other groups speaking will represent the Maine State Troopers, the Chiefs of Police, the Maine Children’s Trust and the Child Abuse and Prevention Councils.

Jan Clarkin, executive director of the Maine Children’s Trust said, “The Maine Children’s Trust, Maine Law Enforcement and the Child Abuse Prevention Councils of Maine are co-sponsoring the event to bring awareness that child abuse and neglect is preventable and to provide information on activities and programs offered in Maine communities that in fact do prevent abuse. Last year over 2,500 cases of child abuse and neglect were substantiated in Maine and these partners strive to reduce this number.  Prevention efforts such as parent education on several topics including child development, safe sleep and infant crying. Maine Families home visitation and parent groups give families the support they need to stay together and care for their children in their homes and communities.”

The state’s child abuse prevention councils will host a wide array of events during April to being attention to the need to prevent child abuse and neglect and to celebrate community partnerships. A directory of all of the councils can be found at www.mechildrenstrust.org. 

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