October is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario and Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County (FCS) is reminding everyone that protecting children and supporting families is a community responsibility.
Officials say every Ontarian has a moral and legal role to play in protecting children and supporting vulnerable families, by being aware of the signs of abuse and knowing who to call to help a child at risk of harm.
“We’d like to take this opportunity during Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month to remind everyone in our community that there are children and youth in Guelph and Wellington County who need help,” said executive director Daniel Moore.
“It is important to let us know of any concerns about a child’s well-being.”
He added, “Our goal is to work with the family to assist them to care for their children; most people don’t realize that 97% of the children and youth we work with safely remain in their own homes.”
FCS has been providing services to children and families throughout Wellington County for over 120 years.
Those who are unable to live safely at home are placed with extended family, with friends or in foster homes.
FCS is also encouraging the community to participate in “Dress Purple Day” on Oct. 16 by wearing purple, taking a selfie, and tweeting it using the hashtag #tweettostopchildabuse.
On Oct. 15 FCS is partnering with Michael House Pregnancy Care Centre to host an awareness event at the Michael House facility on Bristol Street. The event will focus on the importance of community support in helping parents to succeed in raising healthy, happy children, officials say.
Throughout October purple ribbons will be distributed to community organizations and they are available at all FCS location, including 275 Eramosa Road and 20 Shelldale Crescent in Guelph and at 6484 Wellington Road 7 in Elora.
To report concerns about the safety of a child or youth call 519-824-2410 or 1-800-265-8300.
To learn more about FCS, visit www.fcsgw.org.
