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FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 13, 2010) – Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed April Child Abuse Awareness Month in Kentucky.

At a small signing ceremony in his Capitol office earlier this month, Gov. Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear welcomed representatives from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) and Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky (PCAK), the state’s only statewide child abuse prevention organization.

“Through government services and our community partnerships with PCAK and other agencies, we are committed to addressing the serious problem of child abuse and neglect,” Gov. Beshear said. “Every single member of our communities can become involved, and that is what Child Abuse Prevention Month is all about.”

PCAK Executive Director Jill Seyfred said the month’s designation affords an opportunity for citizens to think about what everyone can do to protect children and support families.

“The need for greater awareness and increased prevention is never more important than it is right now.  Families are stretched to make ends meet, and sometimes the unspeakable happens and children fall through the cracks,” Seyfred said. “We know prevention works, and by focusing our attention on giving parents the support they need, we hope to bring about better outcomes for children in the coming months and years.”

CHFS, the state agency responsible for child protective services, reminds Kentuckians that reporting suspected child abuse or neglect is the law. CHFS offers a statewide, toll-free hot line – 1-800-752-6200 – that citizens can call to make a report.

For more information on prevention efforts in your community, please log on to www.pcaky.org or contact Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky at 1-800-CHILDREN (800-244-5373).

Continue to watch www.pcaky.org for future updates throughout the month.