Though for Wyoming, it is a little early to plant a garden, the Children’s Advocacy Project uses this month to plant a different type of garden. This garden is made of blue pinwheels to help bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month. The month of April is nationally designated to acknowledge the importance of communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Last year an estimated 678,000 children were found to be victims of child abuse or neglect nationwide. Child abuse and neglect happens across every socioeconomic level. Child abuse can happen anywhere, to any child regardless of race, culture, or education level. The overall wellbeing of our community is contingent on everyone in our community doing well, but child abuse is happening in our community, to our children.
Madison never thought she would look forward to her future. She saw no reason to create goals or have dreams. She knew that, like her mother before her, she would probably get pregnant, drop out of high school, work a low-paying job and that would be her life.
Forensic interviews are usually the first step at the Children’s Advocacy Project. When there is suspected child abuse or maltreatment, it is the job of the forensic interviewer to have a conversation with the child to elicit detailed information about the possible events.
The Children’s Advocacy Project in Casper, WY was the recipient of a $5,000 Community Investment Grant from local energy transportation company, Enbridge.
Funds donated to the Children’s Advocacy Project will support the effort to continue to improve the community response to the broad and devastating impact that child maltreatment has on individuals and the community through comprehensive services such as, forensic interviews, counseling services, child and family advocacy, and more.