(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – The annual pinwheel display at the Tuscarawas County Courthouse will not take place this year, but officials stress the importance of the awareness campaign.

TEach year the pinwheels are placed to signify April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. 2020 marks the 16th annual Pinwheels for Prevention display organized by the Child Abuse Awareness committee and volunteers. Each pinwheel represents a child involved in a child abuse or neglect report. The display is typically in place through May 1st.

According to statistics from the Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services, last year the agency received 1,992 reports regarding child abuse and neglect with 288 investigations. 183 adults were involved in those investigations along with 209 children, 49 of which were placed into foster care.

Officials noted related causes including alcohol and drugs, family violence, dependency, home conditions, and sexual abuse.

The community is asked to wear blue on April 8th to recognize the fact that child abuse is preventable.

The annual Pinwheels for Prevention ceremony and placement have both been postponed due to COVID-19 related mandates.