The South Carolina Department of Social Services of Bamberg County recognizes the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The agency distributed literature and other information to the citizens of Bamberg County on Saturday, April 11, 2009, at the Bamberg County DSS office from 10:00am until 12:00 Noon. During the event over fifty (50) children and adults participated in an exciting Easter Egg hunt, fun activities and each received loads of candy and baskets. The families hopped and danced to the festive music of Disc Jockey Freddie Dobson. All parents / adults were given handouts on tips for abuse prevention and wholesome activities to share with their children on a regular basis.

Anita Butler, County Director for Bamberg County DSS encourages all citizens of Bamberg County to share in the community effort to protect our children. The responsibility for addressing child maltreatment is shared among community professionals and citizens. No single agency, individual, or discipline has all the necessary knowledge, skills, or resources to provide the assistance needed by abused and neglected children and their families. While Department of Social Services agencies, law enforcement, and courts have legal mandates and primary responsibility for responding to child maltreatment, other service providers working with children and families— along with community members—play important roles in supporting families and protecting children.

Parents have a fundamental right to raise their children as they see fit, and society presumes that parents will act in their children's best interest. When parents do not protect their children from harm and meet their basic needs—as with cases of child abuse and neglect—society has a responsibility to intervene to protect the health and welfare of these children. Any intervention into family life on behalf of children must be guided by State and Federal laws, and sound professional standards for practice.

The Honorable Alton McCollum, Mayor of Bamberg officially proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month when he presented the Bamberg County Department of Social Services Director with a signed document. An excerpt of that proclamation follows:

Whereas, child abuse and neglect can be reduced by making sure each family has the support they need in raising their children in a safe, nurturing environment;

Whereas, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships created among social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community;

Therefore, I Alton McCollum, Mayor of Bamberg, South Carolina do hereby proclaim the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and call upon all citizens, community agencies faith groups, medical facilities, and businesses to increase their participation in our efforts to support families, thereby preventing child abuse and strengthening the communities in which we live.