The Hastings City Council Monday recognized April as Child Abuse Prevention Month with a proclamation presented to Karen Jousma, executive director of the Family Support Center of Barry County.

The Center is a non-profit child advocacy agency with the mission of preventing child abuse, ensuring safety, eliminating all forms of neglect, and providing education and guidance for abused/neglected children and at-risk parents.

Mayor David Tossava read a proclamation that said child abuse is one of the greatest risks to the health and well being of Barry County children. The Family Support Center, through the Barry County Child Abuse Prevention Council, leads local community-based programs to expedite efforts to prevent child abuse now and in future generations through joint efforts.

“The most precious and valuable asset of our county is our children and we must dedicate ourselves, our energy and our resources to the nurturing and protection of these most vulnerable individuals-protecting children and strengthening Barry County families is a shared community responsibility,” Tossava said.

Jousma said the council, now in its 38 year, is one of the best kept secrets of Barry County. Its goal is the same as it has always been: to build strong, healthy families to prevent violence against children. With council approval, the Family Support Center will put 75 to 100 pinwheels in a prevention garden at City Hall, to encourage people to ask what they are for, what they represent. Prevention gardens are all over the United States, raising awareness and educating people, she said.