Pinwheels Planted, April Proclaimed as Child Abuse Prevention Month

Prince William County leaders, county staff and residents recently gathered to "plant" a garden of blue pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month at the Sean T. Connaughton Plaza at the McCoart Government Center.

The blue pinwheel, a national symbol for child abuse prevention, represents the innocence of childhood. Its shape represents positive cycles of love and support.

In Fiscal Year 2022, 5,118 cases of suspected child abuse and neglect were reported in Prince William County. Child abuse is considered one of the nation's most serious public health problems, with scientific studies documenting the link between the abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of medical, emotional, psychological and behavioral disorders.

"In April, we recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month and the importance of communities working together to help families thrive," said Prince William County Department of Social Services Advisory Board Chair Laurie Wilson. "This year's child abuse awareness theme is 'Building Together: Prevention and Partnership.' All community members have a role in ensuring that children have positive experiences and that families have the resources they need to help them. We need to work toward preventing the crisis. Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are supported."

The pinwheels, which fill the planters at the plaza entrance, are meant to remind people of the importance of preventing child abuse.

"One of the ways that we raise awareness is by planting this pinwheel garden," said Prince William County Child Protective Services Prevention Unit Lead Theresa Wilson. "It represents hope – hope for our children in Prince William County – that they will grow up safe, that they will grow up free of abuse."

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chair At-Large Ann Wheeler thanked everyone in the Prince William County Department of Social Services who works to prevent child abuse and neglect.

"Whether you're trying to prevent a child from not feeling safe or helping a child who needs to know that they're safe, thank you so much for what you do," Wheeler said. "The statistics say that one in four children suffer neglect or abuse in our society, so we know there is an issue out there. Kudos to the Department of Social Services, which has always been ahead of the curve in recognizing that.

Prince William County Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry, Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey, Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin and Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega attended the Pinwheel for Prevent event along with Prince William County Executive Christopher Shorter.

Following the Pinwheels for Prevention Garden event at the April 4, 2023, Board of County Supervisors meeting, the board proclaimed April 2023 as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Children who will shape Prince William County's future are the community's most valuable resource. The county is committed to supporting families through programs to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Effective child abuse prevention activities succeed because of the partnerships created between child welfare professionals, education, health, community and faith‐based organizations, businesses, law enforcement agencies and families.