April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Historic City News learned from Robin Burchfield, Director of Development for St. Augustine Youth Services, that in order to create awareness of the need to keep kids safe and families strong, her organization held a “Pinwheel Parade” March against Child Abuse this morning at their campus on US-1 South.

Since 1989, participants in National Child Abuse Prevention Month nationwide have worn a symbolic blue ribbon in April — now they carry a blue pinwheel.

“St. Augustine Youth Services is encouraging parents to have the knowledge, skills and resources they need to care for their children,” Burchfield told local reporters. “By working together as a community, we all can play a part in promoting children’s emotional well-being and strengthening families.”

St. Augustine Youth Services is dedicated to supporting families and reducing the risk of child abuse and neglect. They are celebrating 25-years of serving children and one year in their new Hudson Family campus. Tables were set up with parenting information and people were on hand to answer questions about the resources available in St. Johns County.

The ceremonial “parade” around the campus, and free children’s activities including a bounce-house and face painting, were well attended. SAYS is a group home which provides therapeutic services for boys who have experienced severe emotional trauma, such as child abuse and neglect. For more information, please call 904-829-1770 or visit www.sayskids.org.