Cherokee County, Alabama - April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. This month and throughout the year, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making our community a better place for families. By ensuring that parents have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their children, we can help prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities.

      "We must protect the innocent children.  We must protect those who cannot protect themself," Sheriff Jeff Shaver said.

Research shows that five important factors are present in healthy families. Promoting these factors is among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. They are:

• Nurturing and attachment
• Knowledge of parenting and of child and youth development
• Parental resilience
• Social connections
• Concrete supports for parents

"April is a time to focus on ways to promote the five protective factors, in every interaction with families, is the best thing our community can do to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect," said Sheriff Shaver.

Cherokee County deputies, investigators and The Children's Advocacy Center of Cherokee County cannot do it alone.  Everyone's participation is critical.  Join us this month in raising awareness of the devastating effects of child abuse and how to prevent it.

To learn more about what to look for concerning the changes in behavior that can signal abuse, and the importance of reporting possible abuse, visit www.cherokeecountycac.org.