The Pettis County Commission, along with members of the Sedalia City Council, marked the start of Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month with a joint proclamation Tuesday, April 1 at the Pettis County Courthouse.

Presiding Commissioner Bill Taylor, joined by associate commissioners Mark Edwards and Israel Baeza, presented the proclamation to Child Safe of Central Missouri. Three members of the Sedalia City Council—Tina Boggess, Bob Hiller, and Tom Oldham—were present for the proclamation. The Commission issued a call for all citizens, community agencies, faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses in Pettis County to increase participation in efforts to support families, with the aim of preventing child abuse and strengthening the community.

Governments and advocacy groups have marked April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month since 1983, following the passage of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act by Congress.

Photo courtesy of the Pettis County Commission