Ohio Children’s Trust Fund
Ohioans asked to Pause for a Child in April 

COLUMBUS, OHIO – April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month in Ohio, and the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund is encouraging all individuals and organizations to “Pause for a Child” and take an active role in making their communities a better place for families and children. 

“April is a time to celebrate the important role that communities play in protecting children,” said Kristen Rost, executive director of the Ohio Children's Trust Fund. “Everyone’s participation is critical. This month, I encourage all Ohioans to find a way to make a difference in the lives of the children and families around them and help stop child abuse and neglect throughout Ohio.” 

The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, COSI and Franklin County Children Services will kick off the observance at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2013, at COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus. The event will feature remarks by youth motivational speaker Tei Street and the planting of pinwheels, the national symbol of child abuse prevention. 

"COSI is honored to continue to be a place for discussion in our Columbus community," said Azuka MuMin, vice president of the museum’s Diversity, Inclusion and Partnerships programs. "We have successfully hosted pinwheel planting projects for a few years with great participation by our guests, and we are excited to have the opportunity to again kick off Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month here at COSI." 

“Child protection and child abuse prevention need active involvement from all aspects of the community,” said Chip Spinning, executive director of Franklin County Children Services. “That is why awareness efforts like this are so important. It provides an opportunity for everyone—whether a law enforcement officer, judge, foster or adoptive parent, volunteer, community service provider, public official, social worker, teacher, parent, or concerned citizen—to help keep children safe.” 

The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund asks you to help make a difference in the lives of Ohio’s most precious resource: our children. Whether by volunteering your time for programs that support children, supporting child advocacy groups, or advocating for other efforts designed to protect children in Ohio and across the country, everyone can take a lead in making a difference. 

For more information about child abuse prevention programs and activities in your community, visit www.jfs.ohio.gov/octf. 

The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund is the state’s sole public funding source dedicated to preventing abuse and neglect. Housed within the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, it works with its 88 county partners to serve all Ohio communities. To learn more about the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, visit www.jfs.ohio.gov/octf.