Lt. Governor Pamela Evette and State Leaders to Speak at Press Conference Highlighting the Shared Mission of Protecting Children and Strengthening Families
Columbia, S.C. —In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, state house leaders and child advocates will gather in the First Floor Lobby of the S.C. Statehouse on Thursday, April 2, at 10 a.m., to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The event, hosted by Children’s Trust of South Carolina in partnership with state officials, will emphasize the urgent need for child abuse prevention investments and greater community participation.
“Protecting children is not the responsibility of a single agency or system. It is a shared commitment across every community in our state,” said Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. “Every child deserves to grow up safe, supported, and surrounded by opportunity. That must remain a top priority for our state, and we will continue working each day to ensure they thrive.”
Lt. Gov. Evette will share Gov. Henry McMaster’s official proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
In addition to remarks from Lt. Gov. Evette, legislators, S.C. Department of Social Services Director Tony Catone, State Child Advocate Margaret Bodman, Children’s Trust CEO Sue Williams, and other advocates will speak and share opportunities the state has to strengthen families and reduce child abuse and neglect.
“The strongest child protection system is one that never has to intervene because families have the support they need from the start. When our communities have the resources and supports to help families, we invest in families before they reach a crisis point,” said Director Tony Catone. “We don’t just prevent harm. We build the kind of communities where children can grow up safe, loved, and equipped to meet the responsibilities of adulthood.”
Children’s Trust CEO Sue Williams added, “As South Carolina works to ensure every child has the chance to grow up healthy, happy, and safe, we understand that collaboration is essential. Let this month serve as a reminder for us all to prioritize prevention, support families, and protect our most vulnerable.”
Throughout the month, Children’s Trust and its community partners across South Carolina will organize community activities focused on prevention, family support, and public awareness. Some communities will also create pinwheel gardens. Find events at scchildren.org.
The pinwheel, a statewide and national symbol of Child Abuse Prevention Month, represents happy, healthy childhoods. In South Carolina, it also reminds us that prevention is fostered through strong communities, effective programs, good policies, and everyday acts of kindness that support families.
For more details about the press conference and how to participate in Child Abuse Prevention Month activities, please visit scChildren.org or contact Bett Williams, chief communications officer, at 803-730-3277 or bwilliams@scchildren.org.
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About Children’s Trust of South Carolina
Children’s Trust is the statewide organization working to prevent child abuse and neglect. It leads and supports a network of community-based organizations that share the belief that all children should thrive, live in secure families and be surrounded by supportive communities.