Putnam's Pinwheel Gardens for Child Abuse Prevention

BREWSTER, NY – Every kid deserves a great childhood that’s carefree and full of promise. The Child Advocacy Center of Putnam County and Prevent Child Abuse New York’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign are once again using pinwheels to plant that message in Putnam County in April.

“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Pinwheels are a happy and uplifting token of childhood. They are meant to convey that every child deserves the chance to be raised in a healthy, safe and nurturing environment,” said CAC Program Coordinator Marla Behler in a press release about the upcoming event. “Putnam County is a great place to raise a family. Everyone is welcome to join us as we plant pinwheels to show that our community supports children.”

This year two Community Gardens will be planted on April 1st.

In Carmel, the Community Garden will be planted in front of the Sybil Ludington Statue at Lake Gleneida on Route 6 from 10 a.m. - noon.

In Cold Spring, the Garden will be planted at St. Mary of the Highlands Church, 1 Chestnut Street, from 9 – 11 a.m.

The CAC is a program of the Department of Social Services.

“The CAC has long advocated that education is imperative to preventing child abuse and continues to partner with local agencies to implement programs to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing of the children of Putnam County,” said Putnam County Commissioner of Social Services Michael Piazza. “As more prevention education programs become available, it is clear that people understand the importance of early and comprehensive prevention of abuse, not just responding to it after it occurs.”

According to Prevent Child Abuse America, research documents pervasive and long-lasting effects of child abuse and neglect on children, their families and society as a whole. Effective child abuse prevention programs ensure the health of children and families, allowing children to grow into adults who prosper and contribute to society.

The “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign is based on the belief that communities must be more proactive to prevent abuse. It’s not enough to simply respond to cases of abuse through prosecution and intervention—programs and policies that focus on child development, engage communities and create conditions that give parents the supports they need to succeed are essential

Among the tips provided by Prevent Child Abuse New York are acknowledging that parenting is a tough job. Reassure a parent coping with a difficult situation in public. Help amuse a restless child. Be a good neighbor and get to know the families in your neighborhood and point out the special things they do for their children. For your own kids, be patient and really listen when they speak to you, and make it a priority to spend time with them, undistracted by work and the other demands on your time.

For more information on how you can help prevent child abuse, or on prevention and education programs offered by the Child Advocacy Center, please call (845) 808-1400 or Prevent Child Abuse New York at 1-800-CHILDREN.