At the regular meeting of Austin County Commissioners Court Monday, April 12, a proclamation was read by Judge Tim Lapham that honored April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and recognized CASA for Kids of South Central Texas.

“Last year in Texas, CPS investigated nearly 185,000 allegations of child abuse or neglect. 68,461 children and teens were victims of abuse or neglect and 251 children died at the hands of a parent or other caregivers,” it says in a press release from the Department of Family and Protective Services. “Locally in Austin County, 47 children were victims of abuse and neglect, one child died due to abuse and neglect and 18 children were in the care of the Department of Family and Protective Services.

“In April,” the release continues, “Child Protective Services (CPS) is joining with local governments, community groups, service organizations, and other partners to put the spotlight on preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse.”

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, contact the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252- 5400. For Child Abuse Prevention advice, visit GetParentingTips.com.

In part, the proclamation read by Lapham said, “Whereas, every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving permanent home where his or her physical, emotional and educational needs are fully met thereby giving the child an opportunity to realize his or her full potential; … Whereas in 2020, 68,461 children in Texas, including 47 in Austin County were confirmed as victims of abuse or neglect; Whereas 50 percent of those children in Texas were under the age of six years old; … Whereas, in 2020, 47,913 children in Texas, including 18 in Austin County, were in the care and custody of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services because of evidence of abuse or neglect;

“Therefore,” the proclamation continues, “I hereby proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Austin County and commend all organizations, including CASA for Kids of South Central Texas and CASA Advocates for their commitment and dedication to preventing abuse and mitigating the devastating effect of abuse and neglect by serving children who have been victimized. I further call upon all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, schools, government agencies and businesses to increase their participation in efforts to support families and prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening our entire community on this, the 12th day of April, 2021.”