Tiger, a facility dog who provides comfort and emotional support to children during interviews and legal proceedings, is pictured with pinwheels.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) is calling on the community to raise awareness, take action, and support the children and families impacted by abuse.

WCCAC serves Warren and Forest Counties with a child-focused, trauma-informed response to reports of abuse. Through services like forensic interviews, family advocacy, and mental health and medical referrals, the Center works to reduce trauma and promote healing. All services are provided at no cost to children and their families.

Central to WCCAC’s work is its multidisciplinary team, which includes child protective services, law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocates, medical and mental health professionals, and the CAC. This team ensures that every child’s case is handled with care, coordination, and professionalism.

WCCAC is also home to Tiger, a facility dog who provides comfort and emotional support to children during interviews and legal proceedings.

“Child Abuse Prevention Month isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about building stronger communities that know how to protect and support children,” said Melissa McLean, Executive Director. “It takes a village, and everyone has a role.”

Katelyn Hecei, WCCAC’s Family Advocate, added, “When a family walks through our doors, they’re often scared and overwhelmed. We’re here to guide them, listen, and help them feel supported. Prevention starts with connection.”

Community members can get involved this April by displaying blue pinwheels, the national symbol of child abuse prevention. WCCAC encourages individuals, businesses, and local organizations to show their support by placing pinwheels in yards, storefronts, and community spaces. Additional ways to help include wearing blue on Fridays, scheduling a prevention training, following WCCAC on social media, or making a donation.

WCCAC also provides prevention education on topics such as child abuse prevention, human trafficking, internet safety, and more for schools, faith communities, civic groups, and professionals.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.warrencac.org or call (814) 313-1004.