'Hoosier Unify' will recognize those who protect youths

The Greene County Department of Child Services (DCS) will host a candlelight ceremony at the Roy Clark Community Building on Tuesday at 7 p.m. to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month.

DCS Director Mike Baker said the event is a part of the state-wide "Hoosier Unify" project to create awareness throughout the state to both create awareness and recognize those who protect the local youth.

The Indiana Department of Child Services is working in coordination with Prevent Child Abuse Indiana and Kids First Trust Fund.

Linton Mayor John Wilkes will kick off the event.

"This year we are focusing on all the folks that help watch out for kids. We are looking at honoring community members and thanking them for what they do -- CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), foster parents, school folks, law enforcement officials, medical professionals, friends and neighbors," Baker explained.

The event is open to the community, and Baker said he encourages everyone to attend to learn more about what is going on in Greene County.

"It (April) is a month to recognize child abuse prevention and for us (DCS) to get information out to the community. It's a very real thing in our community. No matter who you are or where you live, it is there," Baker explained.

The community is also invited to help create a pinwheel garden to recognize members of the community who do their part in creating a better life for the most vulnerable in our community.

Baker said DCS representatives will also have items to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month, such as pens, book markers and wrist bands.

There will be information about how to help local youth and what the Department of Child Services does in the community.

Baker noted the short ceremony is a part of the state-wide event, in which all Indiana counties will be taking a moment to recognize members of the community.

"April has always been Child Abuse Prevention month, but I think this is the first actually coordinated event in recent years. Hopefully we can build on this one for next year, and get more and more folks involved and information out there," Baker explained.

He added Gov. Mike Pence will host a Hoosier Unify event at the statehouse in Indianapolis to promote Child Abuse Prevention Month.