San Diego City Wire

San Diego County News CenterDirect To YouIn observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, a beautiful pinwheel garden was on display during a press conference today in the Waterfront Park. 400 pinwheels were placed in the lawn to represent the 400 investigations weekly of children in San Diego County who may be victims of child abuse and neglect. Approximately fifteen percent of those investigations become active cases.

Chairwoman Nora Vargas, Promises2Kids, and the County’s Child and Family Well Being Department teamed up for the annual event to raise awareness about child safety, early intervention, and the importance of families and communities working together to protect our children. Vargas emphasized the significance of this collaborative effort in ensuring the well-being of children in the community.

During 2022-2023, the child abuse hotline received over 39,000 calls to report possible abuse and neglect. More than 20,000 of those reports were investigated, highlighting the critical need for awareness and intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect. Vargas underscored the preventable nature of child abuse and neglect, urging individuals to report any suspicions to the County’s Child Abuse Hotline at 858-560-2191 or 800-344-6000.

The County’s Child and Family Well Being Department is at the forefront of changing the support system for children, youth, and families to promote success and well-being. By prioritizing prevention through early intervention, education, and accessible resources, the department aims to keep families together and prevent children from entering the child welfare service system.

In conclusion, Vargas reiterated, "The hope is that early intervention, education, and easy access to critical resources will keep families together and stop children from ever needing to enter the child welfare service system." The commitment to preventing child abuse and neglect remains a paramount focus during Child Abuse Awareness Month and beyond.