West NY News

Chautauqua County is preparing to observe Child Abuse Prevention Month this April with its annual Pinwheel for Prevention campaign. The initiative aims to raise awareness and mobilize action against child abuse and neglect.

The Village of Westfield will host a special ceremony where the mayor will declare April as Child Abuse Advocacy and Prevention Month. This event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Eason Hall, will gather community leaders, local business owners, child advocates, and citizens to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding children and supporting families.

Several awareness events are planned across the county:

- Jamestown Planting at Jamestown City Hall on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 1:15 p.m.

- Mayville Planting at Chautauqua Municipal Building on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.

- Dunkirk Planting at Dunkirk City Hall on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Throughout the month of April, pinwheel gardens symbolizing hope and happiness for childhood will be planted in various locations including businesses and schools. This effort highlights the importance of prevention programs.

Statistics from the New York State Central Registry indicate that Chautauqua County received over 2,100 reports of child abuse in 2024. Of these cases, 25% were substantiated by DSS. These figures highlight the ongoing need for advocacy and prevention efforts.

Residents are encouraged to wear blue during planting ceremonies as a show of support for child abuse prevention initiatives. All events are open to the public.

For more information about preventing child abuse or if you suspect any cases of abuse or neglect, resources are available through preventchildabuseny.org or by contacting the NY State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.