Commissioners Proclaim Wear Blue Day and Abuse Prevention Month

Hamilton County’s Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation Wednesday naming April Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Hamilton County and April 12 as Wear Blue to Work Day.

The proclamation was issued after commissioners heard from Director Moira Weir on the large increases in Children’s Services caseloads and the many abused and neglected children being served by the agency.

HCJFS screened in 815 reports of abuse and neglect in March, the most in at least a decade. The agency also saw a 200 percent increase in children coming into custody in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2016. These increases mirror a national trend.

The commissioners applauded JFS workers, leadership and the agency’s new safety decision-making model. They were appreciative of the work the agency has done with increasing caseloads.

“We do know that you, coming up through the ranks as you did…your heart is in the right place and this is your passion, your ministry here in Hamilton County,” Commissioner Todd Portune said to Director Weir.

Added Commissioner Chris Monzel: “Thank you for your leadership over the years.”

by Ashley Woods

Filed Under: News

Tagged: abuse, adoption, child abuse, child care, child neglect, Child Welfare, Children's Services, department of hamilton county job and family services, department of job and family services, foster care, foster child, foster children, foster parents, foster youth, moira weir, wear blue