April has been declared Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in Dripping Springs.
The proclamation at the city council meeting on Tuesday, April 5, preceded a similar declaration made by the state of Texas on Thursday, April 7. Both dedicated this month to raising awareness around child abuse and neglect, as well as spotlighting the work being done to support families and children.
More than 68,517 cases of child abuse and neglect were confirmed in Texas in 2021, resulting in 15,245 children in foster care in Texas, according to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Of these, 537 children were confirmed victims of abuse in Hays County, according to the city’s proclamation.
“Child abuse prevention is a community responsibility, and finding solutions depends on involvement among all people,” the proclamation stated. “2021 was an especially trying time for children who are unsafe in their homes. Through the perseverance of our many community organizations working daily to end child abuse, we continually served children throughout the pandemic.”
These organizations included the Hays County Child Protective Board; the Hays County District Attorney’s Office; the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center and Roxanne’s House; the Greater San Marcos Youth Council; the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; Court Appointed Special Advocates; the San Marcos, Buda and Kyle Police Departments; the Hays County Sheriff’s Office; and Christus Santa Rosa-San Marcos.
“Every child in Dripping Springs deserves to be safe, nurtured and supported in caring relationships,” the proclamation continued. “The City Council calls upon the citizens of Dripping Springs to work together to raise awareness and prevent child abuse in our community and beyond.”
