April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

This April, in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, StepStone Family & Youth Services is creating pinwheel gardens as well as delivering pinwheel bouquets throughout its local communities. The gardens/bouquets will serve as a visual reminder about the importance of preventing child abuse and neglect, while bringing awareness to StepStone’s mission of providing safe, loving homes to foster children and teens across the state.

“Every child deserves a safe place to call home. This Child Abuse Prevention Month, we stand with supporters nationwide by displaying pinwheels to symbolize the vital role our community plays in protecting children and strengthening families,” said Sandra Bermudez, Recruitment Manager, with StepStone Family & Youth Services. “One way we can achieve this is by connecting vulnerable children with strong foster families. At StepStone, we empower foster parents with the resources they need to confidently provide a stable and loving environment for kids of all ages.”

In Virginia, more than 5,000 children are in foster care, creating a dire need to prevent child abuse and neglect before it occurs and meet the increasing need for loving foster parents. StepStone offers foster care services, training for foster parents, training for young adults, youth residential services, family & youth services, respite care, and counseling.

“We’re always looking for loving families to welcome new children and teens into their homes,” added Sandra. “Our message is that you can make a difference – and we’d love to speak with you if you’re interested in becoming a foster parent.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or learning more about StepStone’s services, please visit stepstoneyouth.com.