Community leaders in Seminole County are teaming up to raise awareness about child abuse and promote actions people can take to help children in dangerous situations.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is designed to recognize the importance of communities working together to help families thrive and prevent child abuse.
On Thursday, Juliette Kong, CEO of Kids House of Seminole, and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma hosted a news conference to discuss how local partnerships combat child abuse in the community.
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“I think it’s so important that the community is aware that abuse neglect and abandonment is out there in our communities,” Sheriff Dennis Lemma said. “There’s so many individuals and families and kids that need our advocacy, need our voice and to let them know that there is help available that’s out there.”
Kids House is a child advocacy center designed to bring together all involved agencies in one child-friendly location.
Victims of child abuse and their families can come to Kids House where professionals handle all aspects of their case from report and investigation through treatment and recovery.
“It’s a welcoming environment and with all of our staff, it’s everything that’s about that child,” Kids House CEO Juliette Kong said. “As a soon as that family and child walks through the door. That’s where the focus is.”
Thursday’s event also included a unity candle lighting to honor children lost to child abuse and neglect.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96ABUSE or 1-800-962-2873.
For more details about Kids House, click here.
