ROCKINGHAM — Dozens of blue pinwheels spun in the light breeze Wednesday afternoon as a small crowd marched from the Richmond County Department of Social Services to Harrington Square.
The short march — organized by DSS and the Richmond County Parntership for Children — was in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, which is observed in April.
Dr. Katrina Chance, executive director of the Partnership, clapped for the marchers as they made it to the square, before welcoming the small crowd to the event.
“We are taking a stand against child abuse and neglect here in Richmond County, from all directions,” Chance said.
The Pinwheels for Prevention campaign was started in 2008, according to Chance.
“The pinwheel symbolizes playfulness, joy and childhood enjoyment … used as a reminder of the uplifting and great childhood all children deserve,” Chance said.
ABUSE STATS
In 2023, DSS accepted 573 reports of abuse, neglect or dependency, according to Deputy Social Service Director Theressa Smith.
“We were involved with that many families trying to make sure that those children were safe in their homes and were receiving the necessary things that they needed as children,” Smith said.
In March of last year, Smith said DSS received 40 reports of neglect and 10 of abuse. Last month, the department received 30 of neglect and 18 of abuse. However, Smith said there are now more cases involving substance use as well as physical and sexual abuse.
As of April 11, there were five detainees in the Richmond County Jail facing abuse-related charges: two from 2023; one from 2022; and two from 2021, which are related to the death of Casey Johnson. One of those is also among the four charged with taking indecent liberties with a child.
“Although our numbers may be about the same … the kinds of investigations that we’re doing are a lot more serious,” Smith said.
There were also 53 substance-affected children born — with drugs ranging from marijuana to methamphetamine in their systems — in the county last year, Smith continued.
As of Wednesday, there were 84 children in DSS custody, with one currently housed in a special room at DSS. Sixteen foster children are ready for adoption and 13 of those are in a permanent home waiting on finalization — “which is exciting,” Smith said.
CAUSES AND COMMUNITY CORRECTION OF ABUSE
Kelly Williams, a local attorney who represents Richmond County DSS, says support for families is “where prevention begins.”
“One of the biggest things we can do as a community, as schools, as churches, as parents, as relatives, we can educate our teens and our young adults” on the obligations of parenthood and parenting skills, Williams said. “One of our big problems with neglect is we have children having children and they have no idea how to properly care for those children.”
Referring back to one of Smith’s statistics, Williams said the issue of substance abuse isn’t just with illegal drugs, but also addiction to prescription opioids.
“Pretty soon, you’re an abuser — and you start neglecting family, you start neglecting obligations, you start neglecting work for that next fix,” Williams said.
When it comes to addiction to illegal drugs, Williams said, “You can’t stop unless you want to stop. And it’s our community’s responsibility to help our users and abusers want to stop.”
“We have the resources, but they have to want to do it.”
Those who are addicted, are prone to neglect,” Williams continued.
“You completely forget about them,” Williams said. “We’ve had case after case where you’ll leave three children under 8 years old at home for the weekend while you go get your fix.”
Williams said those who are aware of those types of situations are “obligated” to report it.
The attorney also encourages residents — if they have room in their homes and hearts — to become foster parents, to help take care of children while the parents work on themselves.
Another way to help, Williams added, is to become a guardian ad litem volunteer.
The goal of the guardian ad litem program is to look out for the best interests of the children, according to Vicky Bryant.
“Children need that,” Williams said. “They need someone to talk to and confide in. Their parents haven’t done it, or their parents are not in their lives right now because they’re trying to correct that condition which led to their removal. So help our children.”
If you can’t find the time for those two options, Williams said to “find the time to be a family member.”
“We love family members helping children because you’re not …putting them in … a completely new environment,” Williams said.
Bryant added that some parents also need a support person, “someone they can call when they’re having a bad day.” She also suggested volunteering for the schools and municipal recreation departments.
“Your volunteering would be a great help.”
Commissioner Andy Grooms, who led the march, read aloud a proclamation from Gov. Roy Cooper in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month.
“Admittedly, I’m not out on the front lines like you guys and doing everything you are, but from the Board, I want to extend our appreciation for everything you guys do,” Grooms said. “None of us are professionals at it like you are, out here dealing with it on a day-to-day basis, but we are dedicated to providing all the support and everything we can to make sure you guys get to keep doing what you’re doing.”
Following the brief program, which also included a statement from Social Services Director Robby Hall, attendees planted the pinwheels in the Square and got a glimpse of the Child Advocacy Center across the street. The RO will have more on the center in a later story.
See more photos from the event below.
