North Iowa Child Advocate: Preventing Child Abuse Takes Group Effort 

A north Iowa children services representative urges communities to make every effort to promote programs and activities that create strong and thriving children and families, all in an effort to prevent child abuse.

Renee Harris is vice-president of the Child Abuse Prevention Council for Floyd and Mitchell counties. Earlier this month, she told the Charles City City Council that over three million children received either an investigation response or alternative response for abuse in federal fiscal year 2022.

Harris added that we must all increase awareness about child abuse and contribute to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment.

Chickasaw County Public Health Administrator Lisa Welter says if you suspect a child is in harm’s way, which authorities to report to may vary with the level of your concern.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month with the theme “Building A Hopeful Future, Together.”