Child Abuse Prevention Month, Clark honored

Shown in the photo above, left to right, are Kerri Baker, director, Huntington County DCS; Jennifer Clark, Clark’s Recycling Inc. and the 2024 winner of the Ronald Mitchell Award and Jan Williams, executive director, Youth Services Bureau of Huntington County. Clark was recognized for making a difference in the lives of children through abuse and neglect prevention activities.

Local leaders gathered at the Huntington County Courthouse on Monday morning to double down on our community’s efforts to prevent child abuse and support parents, caregivers and families.

Huntington County Commissioners Tom Wall, Terry Stoffel and Rob Miller joined Huntington Mayor Richard Strick in signing a proclamation that declares April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month throughout Huntington County.

“Prevention begins with authentic and meaningful collaborations among parents and caregivers, educators, faith communities, family services providers, law enforcement agencies and community leaders working together to create comprehensive systems in which all families can thrive,” the proclamation reads.

Pinwheels promoting child abuse prevention efforts have been placed at the Huntington County Courthouse, Huntington City Building and other community locations to raise awareness. In addition, the Huntington County Child Protection Team of Huntington County recognized Huntington resident Jennifer Clark with the Ronald Mitchell Award for making a difference in the lives of children through abuse and neglect prevention activities.

Clark has been a strong advocate for children as a board member for McKenzie’s Hope for the past six years. She also has initiated a Christmas adoption program in Huntington to sponsor local families and coordinates communitywide family events such as an annual Easter egg hunt. In addition, she has led community efforts to support families in the wake of tragic events.

The Huntington County Child Protection Team members include representatives of the Huntington County Department of Child Services, Youth Services Bureau, McKenzie’s Hope, Parkview Huntington Hospital, the Huntington County Community School Corporation and other social service agencies.

The city-county proclamation urges all residents to do their part to protect children in our community. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at (800) 800-5556.