To promote awareness of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Child Abuse Prevention Task Force of Brevard County will host several events and activities to spread a community-wide message that everyone can help prevent child abuse and neglect. The official kick-off for the month’s events and awareness-raising campaign will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Squid Lips Overwater Grill – 1477 Pineapple Ave., in Melbourne. The event will include activities for children, family entertainment and a boat regatta, and include a reading by Brevard County Commissioner, Trudie Infantini of a proclamation by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Brevard. Squid Lips will donate a portion of the proceeds from all food sales during the event.

Other activities taking place throughout the month include the annual Child Abuse Prevention Awards breakfast on Friday, April 30 at 8:30 a.m. at Suntree Country Club – 1 Country Club Dr., Melbourne. The event recognizes and honors local individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions in the support of child abuse prevention efforts. CAPTF members will also visit several neighborhoods throughout Brevard, distributing positive parenting information to families. Additionally, members will plant pinwheels on the grounds of many local businesses; pinwheels are the official icon of Child Abuse Prevention month.

Families in crisis or experiencing stressors that could lead to child abuse or neglect are encouraged to call 211 Brevard or Brevard C.A.R.E.S. at 888-CARES-09 (888-227-3709). Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect of a child may report their suspicions by calling 1-800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873). For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities during the month of April and throughout the year, contact the Brevard County Child Abuse Prevention Task Force on the web at www.captfbrevard.com.

 

### Contact Tracey Kinsley Director of Communications Brevard Family Partnership 2301 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. Suite 104 Melbourne, FL  32935 Phone: 321-752-4650 ext. 3084 Cell: 772-584-2370 Email: Tracey.kinsley@fpocf.org