Citizens gather to raise awareness of child abuse

Wed, 04/25/2018 - 6:25pm — John Embry

On Saturday, April 21st, 2018 large group of citizens gathered on the lawn of the Butler County Courthouse to raise awareness of child abuse. The event consisted of many organizations volunteering their time to help bring attention to a problem that impacts Butler County.

“Child abuse happens in Butler County and we need to become aware of it and help prevent the abuse our children," said Michaelle Johnson, formally of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “Butler County also needs more foster homes as currently we only have seven for the whole county. Some of the children that enter foster care are placed in another county. Our children need you so please call 270-526-3833 for more information,” added Johnson.

The event was organized by Butler County Boys and Girls Club Director Jodi Chambers and highlighted speakers Wanda Nevins, the supervisor at Butler County office; Carla Scott, foster parent; and Circuit Judge Tim Coleman.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day for our child abuse prevention rally. I would like to thank all of the volunteers, speakers, Lydia Murphy, and the many people who took time out of their busy day to rally around a cause which affects too many children and families within our community," said Jodi Chambers. “The true measure of a community’s soul is in how it treats its children. We are blessed to live in a community that strives to protect and nurture its most vulnerable.”

"There were 77 substantiated reports of child abuse in Butler County in 2017 noted Wanda Nevins of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

The event concluded with Butler County officials gathering to witness Judge-Executive David Fields and Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps sign a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Awareness Month. The event was followed by a police-escorted march around downtown Morgantown.