The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

April marks Child Abuse Prevention month. The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, part of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, along with the Central Florida community joined forces to “Paint Orlando Blue!” This campaign not only raises awareness but also raises
critical funds for programs at The Howard Phillips Center that help children and their families heal and thrive.

Locations across Central Florida have joined the Paint Orlando Blue efforts by planting Pinwheel Gardens. Many local businesses have created special opportunities that allow the community to support The Howard Phillips Center through their purchases in April. The University of Central Florida Capstone Class, led by Dr. Joshua Truitt, has also provided support to our children and families through their awareness and fund raising activities. In support of Paint Orlando Blue, AllGems Transportation will be donating $5.00 (up to $1,000) for every picture shared on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter during the month of April, using the hashtag #paintorlandoblue.

Orange County leaders and community members came together to present key findings regarding the “State of Child Abuse” in Orange County. Members from the Domestic Violence Commission stated that Orange County has them second highest volume of abuse reports totaling 13,855 cases— out of 67 Florida counties. In addition, within the first three months of the calendar year, eight children lost their lives in Orange County due to alleged abuse and/or neglect.

As part of the advocacy efforts and there being such a close connection between domestic violence and child abuse, Mayor Jacobs called for the renaming of the Orange County Domestic Violence Commission to the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Commission (DVC). Members of the Orange County Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Commission will continue the critical work of the DVC while also working to protect the County’s most vulnerable children. The Commission also expanded its membership to include community leaders with expertise in the field of child abuse prevention. Local rates of poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse, foreclosures and homelessness are placing significant stressors on Orange County families and creating a pressure-cooker environment that is dangerous for children. “The combination of these factors helps create a ‘perfect storm’ resulting in a high frequency of child abuse reports that demands local solutions to help support families and make children safer in this community,” said Marie Martinez, operations manager for The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families. “With an additional focus in place for the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Commission, the community can be hopeful that a positive and permanent change is in store.”

Fortunately for Orlando, The Howard Phillips Center serves as a beacon of hope for children and families who go through these types of experiences. The expert and compassionate staff provide a safe environment to help victims and families heal together. And your generous gifts support The Howard Phillips Center’s mission to offer hope and healing in a safe environment. If you would like to learn more or donate to this great cause, please visit PaintOrlandoBlue.com.