In 2018, the state of Iowa investigated more than 35,000 reports of child abuse and neglect, 193 of those in Carroll County alone. President, Donald Trump, has proclaimed April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, with the ultimate goal of bringing awareness to this issue and working together to defend those most vulnerable Americans. The Family First Prevention Services Act has been signed into law and will move the child welfare system to prevention-based. There are added services for at-risk families, including mental health and substance abuse treatment and parenting skills-based programs. One local organization, the Family Resource Center, has a mission of doing that same thing: strengthening local families, keeping them safe and working to prevent abuse and neglect. They do this through educational and assistance programs and community support. In observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the entire area is invited to aid in their efforts as they host a cookout Friday, April 26, in the Carroll Hy-Vee parking lot. They will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and a beverage for a free-will donation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information about the Family Resource Center can be found by following the link below.
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