FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and recognized the efforts of law enforcement, medical, social services, the courts, the media, and private and public agencies in joining forces to promote awareness of child abuse prevention programs available in the county.

 

“Far too many children suffer the horrors of child abuse and neglect,” said Freeholder Amy A. Mallet, liaison the county Department of Human Services. “This April’s child abuse prevention initiative is a reminder that we all play a part in keeping children safe by providing the necessary support to help families stay together and by raising children to be happy, secure and stable adults.”

 

The county’s Division of Social Services is committed to child abuse prevention and intervention programs as well as to providing resources and technical assistance to maintain a network of public/private partnerships.

 

The Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center on Kozloski Road is the result of a public/private partnership that provides a safe haven for children who are victims of child abuse.  Opened in April 2009, the center is a place where children and families in crisis can access medical care and mental health, social advocacy and law enforcement services following a report of abuse.

 

The Friends of the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center lead the effort that created the center. The Board of Chosen Freeholders donated the land and appropriated $750,000 toward the construction of the Child Advocacy Center.

 

Increasing public awareness of the need to ensure the safety and welfare of children led to the passage of the first Federal child protection legislation, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act in 1974.

 

 

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