Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis, in celebration of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, announced the appointment of First Lady Casey DeSantis as Chair of the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet.
“Florida’s children are the future of our state and there is no greater task than protecting and nurturing them, which is why Child Abuse Prevention Month is so important,” said Governor DeSantis. “I’m honored to appoint Casey as Chair of the Children and Youth Cabinet as I know her commitment to children is unmatched. As a mother, she understands that Florida’s children need our support, love and care and I’m excited about the work that she will do in this new role.”
First Lady Casey DeSantis said, “I’m honored to serve the people of Florida in this new capacity and look forward to working with child advocates across the state to better the lives of some of the most vulnerable citizens of our society. Protecting our children from harm and making sure that every child in Florida has the opportunity to succeed and pursue the American Dream is a top priority of this administration.”
Governor DeSantis proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to remind Floridians of the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect and in recognition of the annual Pinwheels for Prevention campaign. The annual campaign promotes happy, safe and healthy childhoods for all of Florida’s children.
Department of Children and Families Secretary Chad Poppell said, “We care deeply about the health and well-being of our children and are excited to have the First Lady serve as the voice for all children in Florida. Connecting families with the resources they need and working together to create strong communities that support families are keys to helping children thrive. Everyone can do something to help prevent abuse – adopt, foster, mentor, support, donate. Even the smallest actions can make a big impact in the life of a child.”
During Child Abuse Prevention Month, Floridians are urged to take simple actions to make a big impact in the life of a child.
Offer a helping hand to children and families in distress.
Give an hour of your time to help children and families in your community.
Help connect a family in need with resources.
Talk to new parents about healthy child development.
Pinwheels for Prevention is part of a national movement to change the way people think about prevention. Florida’s campaign emphasizes the importance of learning about healthy child development, reinforcing positive parenting practices and taking action on behalf of the children and families in our communities. The blue and silver pinwheels represent the safe, happy and healthy childhoods we want for all children. The campaign is sponsored by the Florida Department of Children and Families in partnership with the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, Prevent Child Abuse Florida and numerous partners throughout the state.
For more information about Florida’s Pinwheels for Prevention campaign, visit www.PreventChildAbuseFL.org.