Springfield, MA – In partnership with the City of Springfield, Helix Human Services raises hope for a brighter future. A flag raising ceremony took place in memory of the young lives lost due to violence, abuse, or neglect.
Flag Raising Ceremony
On Tuesday, April 29, 2024, at 11:00 am, a flag raising ceremony was held at the Springfield City Hall, located at 36 Court Street, in Springfield, MA. Building on the success of the inaugural ceremony, this year’s event aimed to further educate the community on recognizing the signs of abuse and neglect, while highlighting the collaborative efforts undertaken by various organizations to safeguard the well-being of children. In attendance included Department of Children & Families (DCF), Gándara Center, many staff from Helix Human Services, as well as students from the Helix Human Services Mill Pond School.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
More than 600,000 children are abused in the U.S each year. An estimated 600,000 children (unique incidents) were victims of abuse and neglect in 2021, the most recent year for which there is national data. The actual number of children abused is likely underreported because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. At least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. In 2020, 1,750 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States.
“For 159 years, Helix Human Services has and will remain committed to safeguarding our most vulnerable children,” said Mark Paglia, CEO of Helix Human Services. “We stand united to ensure an all-inclusive system of care is available to support children and youth who have been subjected to the trauma of abuse and neglect and to provide ample services that will empower them to heal. It remains our fundamental responsibility to protect those who are vulnerable and cannot protect themselves.”
April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month. It’s not only an opportunity to highlight the work being done to protect children from abuse and neglect, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on our communities and recognize the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Child Memorial Flag
Helix Human Services chose to raise the Child Welfare League of America’s Child Memorial flag as a symbol to support our community’s children. CWLA is a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies that since 1920 has worked to serve children and families who are vulnerable.
Learn more
CWLA: https://www.cwla.org/about-us/
News Coverage: https://www.wwlp.com/news/local-news/hampden-county/flag-raising-in-springfield-to-recognize-child-abuse-prevention-month/