Pinwheels pop up at Boardman Park

Garden raises awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month

BOARDMAN -- Mahoning County Children Services received more than 5,000 reports of child abuse and neglect in 2022.

Of those reports 1,262 cases were opened for assessment / investigation.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a national campaign to help raise awareness and encourage communities to learn warning signs and how to report child abuse and neglect when suspected.

Each year, during the month of April, communities across the nation "plant" pinwheel garden displays to help increase awareness and educate the community about the importance of child abuse and neglect prevention.

This week, representatives from Mahoning County Children Services, The Child Advocacy Center at Akron Children's Hospital along with East High School's Junior ROTC student cadets and community volunteers helped place hundreds of colorful and shiny pinwheels.

Each pinwheel "planted" represents an individual who provided a voice and advocated on behalf of an abused or neglected child.

The annual pinwheel garden is on display until April 30 on the front lawn (facing U.S. Route 224) of Boardman Park.

On April 17, Mahoning County Children Services and The Child Advocacy Center at Akron Children's Hospital will host the Pinwheels for Prevention Community Breakfast in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

This year is the 18th year for this annual pinwheel display and community event.

Ohioans who suspect child abuse or neglect can report via the Ohio Child Abuse Report Hotline at 855-O-H-CHILD (855-642-4453). The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services launched this automated telephone directory that links callers directly to an Ohio Children Services agency or law enforcement office in their county.

In Mahoning County, call Mahoning County Children Services' 24/7 report line at 330-941-8888.