January 27, 2006
ATLANTA (GA) – From February 5th thru the 11th the Chatham County Division of Family and Children Services will join with the local police and fire departments, Chatham County Schools, the health care community and local social services agencies to promote child safety initiatives for Hand in Hand: Child Safety Week.
This weeklong safety initiative is designed to educate parents and children on how to keep kids safe, while encouraging community participation in that effort. Major focus areas for the week’s events including abductions, physical and sexual abuse, healthcare and fire safety. On February 7th the Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services will provide training and educational resources for families, while hosting Social Service Day activities during the weeklong event. Chatham DFCS will also provide DNA Safety Kits and photographs for parents and children in attendance. Also on February 7th DFCS will host a child sexual abuse workshop conducted by Dr. Evans of Backus Children's Medical Center.
"The Department of Human Resources (DHR) and its Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) is a resource for families and Child Safety Week is an excellent opportunity to provide resources and information for families to ensure a safe environment for their children," said Charlotte Rehmert, Director of Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services.
Child Safety Week in Savannah began last year with an initiative by the Association for Black mayors in Georgia, including Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson. This observance is also sponsored nationally by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
For information, contact:
Ari Young; 404-657-1387
acyoung@dhr.state.ga.us