The Ashe County Board of Commissioners voted March 17 to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Laurie Hensley, representing the local partnership, read a proclamation urging the county to "build a narrative of hope for children and families" and to prioritize prevention initiatives such as home visiting and family-strengthening programs. "Now, therefore, we do by proclaim April as child abuse prevention month in Ash County," Hensley read, using the packet text before the board adopted the resolution.

Commissioners heard from representatives of the Children's Advocacy Center about services available locally. Megan Hudson, director of the Children's Advocacy Center, said the center offers trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy free to families and works with the district attorney's office to decide whether cases should go to prosecution. "One of the things that doesn't help us is that in North Carolina, people who are being accused of a crime have the right to face their accuser, so nobody likes to put kids on stands," Hudson said, describing a legal constraint that can lead to plea agreements.

The center's family advocate carries a caseload; staff reported the advocate's caseload was 47 last month. The advocacy center and partnership said they will promote prevention awareness in April, including distributing pinwheels and encouraging residents to wear blue on April 4 as a sign of support. Organizers said they will have fewer physical signs this year because donation dollars were redirected to hurricane relief.

A motion to proclaim April as Child Abuse Prevention Month was moved, seconded and approved unanimously. Commissioners and presenters encouraged residents to support prevention efforts and to refer families to local resources.