St Augustine Youth Services says wear a blue ribbon

Alison Johnson reminds Historic City News readers in St Augustine and St Johns County that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month; since 1989, thousands of people nationwide wear the blue ribbon in April to create awareness of the need to keep kids safe and families strong.

St Augustine Youth Services gives a home to boys that have been abused or neglected, ages six to 18. With a home-like environment and targeted therapy, St Augustine Youth Services has helped many boys combat the damage they suffered in an abusive environment.

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said Schuyler Siefker, Executive Director at St Augustine Youth Services. “Everyone’s participation is critical.”

This month and throughout the year, St Augustine Youth Services encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making St. Augustine a better place for children and families.

Siefker says that the best thing our community can do to prevent child abuse and promote optimal child development is to focus on ways to build and promote protective factors in every interaction between children and families.

“By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help promote children’s social and emotional well-being and prevent child maltreatment within families and communities,” Siefker told Historic City News.

Each week during the month of April, St Augustine Youth Services will highlight the success story of a selected boy who has been helped by St Augustine Youth Services.

To get a blue ribbon, or, for more information about child abuse prevention programs, contact St. Augustine Youth Services at (904) 829-1770.