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Local News

Child Abuse Prevention month recognized by Hastings City Council

Mayor David Tossava Monday presented an official proclamation from the City of Hastings to Executive Director of the Family Support Center of Barry County Karen Jousma recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month

 

“Child abuse and neglect is a serious problem, ranking as one of the greatest risks to the health and well-being of Barry County children,” Tossava read from the proclamation.

Child abuse and neglect may be the result of various social problems such as inadequate parenting skills, family violence, poverty, family dysfunction, mental health problems, homelessness and crime," he continued.

 

In Barry County in 2016, 148 children between the ages of 0-17 were confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect by Child Protective Services. The Family Support Center has been designated by Michigan's Children's Trust Fund to lead, with local community based programs, to assist in expediting efforts to prevent child abuse now and in future generations through joint interagency prevention 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,” Tossava said.

“Protecting children and strengthening Barry County families is a shared community responsibility; and community action is needed to help families break the cycle of abuse with small or simple gestures-just by reaching out and showing you care about children in your family and neighborhood demonstrates that we value our children.”

 

“We know that child abuse and neglect make a difference, and we also know it takes a village to raise a child,” Jousma said.

We can’t turn a blind eye to what’s going on. We need to be supportive of our parents who, out of ignorance, substance abuse or domestic violence, are unable to parent their children. They need mentors, they need support…”

 

“So, I thank you for this opportunity for this proclamation and to acknowledge that it takes everyone to make a difference in the lives of children.” A Pinwheels for Prevention Garden with 75 to 100 pinwheels will be installed Tuesday outside City Hall to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect.

 

In other business:

*The city facility on West State Road that accepts compostable materials from city residents is now open and city crews will start the Spring Cleanup, picking up resident’s yard waste placed at curbside, starting Monday, April 16.

 

* Fire chief Roger Caris encouraged residents to go to the Barry County United Way website, www.bcunitedway.org, fill out the application there, and drop it off at the Hastings Fire Station. A firefighter will be scheduled to visit the home and install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide testers free of charge.

 

*City Manager Jeff Mansfield was authorized to apply for a PA 202 waiver application that would let the city avoid the reporting requirements all local units of government that offer defined benefits or post-employment benefits typically file. Units like Hastings that have underfunded status may apply for a waiver, as long as they have a payment plan.

 

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