April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. This month and throughout the year, the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of Putnam County encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Putnam County a safer place for children and families. The CAC shares resources to help prevent abuse, strives for victim safety, and provides community connection through advocacy and service aimed at promoting healthy relationships and parenting for those impacted by abuse.
The CAC of Putnam County and the Friends of Putnam Child Advocacy Center will promote child abuse awareness throughout the month, with various activities, including the annual Champions for Children Breakfast. This event will take place at the Putnam County Golf Course, 187 Hill St., Mahopac, on Wednesday, April 23, at 8 a.m. This year’s breakfast will feature survivor and former federal prosecutor Kevin Mulcahy.
The 2025 Champion for Children award will be presented to Frank Guglieri, director of regional safety services for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. A dedicated leader in school safety, co-facilitator of the Regional Crisis Team, and on-site emergency responder, Guglieri’s passion for school safety continues to drive his commitment to protecting children.
Admission is $30. Tickets and additional information are available at friendsofputnamcac.org.
Putnam County Wear Blue Day in support of preventing child abuse will be held Wednesday, April 9. Also, on that day, the Putnam County Courthouse will be lit blue.
According to Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, “Every child deserves the chance to be raised in a healthy and safe environment. We want everyone in our community to be part of the support system for our children, and this starts with awareness.”
The CAC’s “Pinwheels for Prevention” campaign will run throughout April. The CAC will continue its tradition of planting a large community pinwheel garden Monday, March 31, at noon in front of the Sybil Ludington Statue at Lake Gleneida on Route 6 in Carmel, across from St. James Church. Volunteers are encouraged to join in planting the garden.
“Everyone is welcome to join us as we plant these pinwheels to show that we support children,” said CAC Program Director Marla Behler. “Educating our community and raising awareness can help us to protect any children who are at risk.” Putnam schools will join the campaign as well; look for pinwheel gardens on their campuses.
“The Child Advocacy Center is a program of the Putnam County Department of Social Services. The CAC has long advocated that education is imperative to preventing child abuse and continues to partner with Child Protective Services, Child Welfare Services, and local agencies to implement innovative programs to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being of the children of Putnam County,” said Sara Servadio, commissioner of mental health, social services, and the youth bureau. “Awareness and education programs promote the importance of early and comprehensive prevention of abuse.”
For more information on child abuse prevention programs, call the CAC of Putnam County at (845) 808-1400.
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