Florida’s rate of child abuse is the second highest in the nation, as another child in our state is victimized by abuse or neglect every five minutes. To raise awareness of this horrific, ongoing problem, April has been recognized as National Child Abuse Prevention Month for more than 20 years.

“We should remember … behind every statistic is the life of a real child, a precious being who might not survive childhood,” says David A. Bundy, President and CEO of Children’s Home Society of Florida. “That’s why prevention is key to the fight against child abuse and neglect.”.

Of the abuse deaths reviewed in 2007, more than 95 percent of the fatalities could have been prevented if the children’s guardians received proper guidance and education. This statistic illustrates why awareness and prevention programs are so important to securing the future of Florida’s children. .

Children under age 5 make up the majority of child abuse-related fatalities in Florida. Unable to defend themselves, these children depend on their parents for protection, yet 83 percent of perpetrators are parents. It’s critical to educate the community about the importance of child abuse prevention – prevention programs that can save children’s lives. .

Throughout April, Children Home Society of Florida’s 14 divisions across the state will host events and share information on how people can become involved in the fight against child abuse and neglect in their communities.

Created in 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) is the oldest not-for-profit provider of services to children and families in the state. Today, CHS provides Florida families with a unique spectrum of social services, including foster care, adoption, child abuse prevention, emergency shelter, group homes, case management, and treatment for developmentally disabled children. A nationally accredited agency, CHS makes a difference in the lives of an average 100,000 children and families each year. CHS is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla., and offers services in more than 100 locations by more than 1,900 staff members who are dedicated to providing child-focused, family-centered care.