2015 Interagency Basketball Games & Dedication of the Healing Garden at Bonita Maas Park
MEDIA RELEASE
Child Abuse Prevention Month Activities Planned
2015 Interagency Basketball Games & Dedication of the Healing Garden at Bonita Maas Park
Frederick, MD – April 13, 2015: The Frederick Police Department, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Services, area educators and professionals are joining together to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and show their continued support for the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and the Friends of the CAC.
Through the following planned activities, these organizations are raising awareness of the epidemic of child abuse, the importance of reporting instances of possible abuse to the proper authorities and the necessity of helping those children that are unable or afraid to speak up and/or help themselves.
On April 18, the Department of Juvenile Services is hosting the 2015 Interagency Basketball Games, a tournament involving employees of Frederick County agencies that serve children and families. Join the Frederick Police Department along with the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Services, area educators and other local agencies, and professionals on Saturday, April 18th at 10:00 AM at Urbana High School. Concessions, raffles, prizes, entertainment are all part of the day’s events. Open to the public! For more information, contact Heather Hibbard at Heather.Hibbard@Maryland.gov or call 240-629-3035.
On April 30, the Friends of the Child Advocacy Center are holding a public ceremony to dedicate the Healing Garden at Bonita Maas Park, located at 7 west 2nd Street in downtown Frederick. The Healing Garden was born of a request made following the death of 2 year old Robert Watkins in September of 2013 for a space to remember the Frederick County children who have died as a result of abuse. Since that time, Frederick County has lost 5 more children to abuse. With the support of The City of Frederick, fundraisers through local businesses, and contributions from concerned citizens, a one-of-a-kind artist designed Whispering Bench and memorial pavers will be installed. The public is invited to attend.
To view the PSA on Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit Child Abuse Prevention PSA.
For more information, contact A/Lt. Joe Hayer, Frederick Police Department, at 301-600-1265 or jhayer@frederickmdpolice.org or Lynn Davis, Child Advocacy Center of Frederick County, (301) 600-1762 or email Ldavis2@frederickcountymd.gov