Centre County has officially declared October as \"Centre County Protects Kids Month,\" a proclamation aimed at raising awareness and promoting initiatives to prevent child abuse and neglect. During a recent government meeting, community leaders and representatives from various organizations gathered to discuss their collaborative efforts in safeguarding children.

Stephanie Halderman, representing the Better Together Collaborative, emphasized the importance of community involvement in child safety. She highlighted the collaborative's role in providing education and resources to families, noting that from January to August of this year, the Centre County Children and Youth Services responded to 818 GPS referrals and 181 CPS reports. Halderman expressed gratitude for the support from the county commissioners and community partners, which enables the delivery of essential prevention services.

Kimberly Stoltzman, Executive Director of the Mount Nittany Health Children's Advocacy Center, shared insights into the center's mission to address child abuse through a multidisciplinary approach. The center serves approximately 300 cases annually, coordinating efforts with local law enforcement and child services to ensure a compassionate response to allegations of abuse.

Jamie from the YMCA of Centre County announced the launch of a new child sexual abuse prevention training program, \"Stewards of Children,\" which aims to equip adults with the tools to recognize and respond to potential abuse. The YMCA is offering free training sessions throughout October, reinforcing the community's commitment to child safety.

Theresa Kiefer from the Centre County Youth Service Bureau highlighted grassroots prevention programs aimed at supporting children and families. She mentioned initiatives like \"Project Safe and Smart,\" which focuses on educating young children about safety and abuse prevention.

Commissioners present at the meeting acknowledged the critical work being done by these organizations and urged community members to take reports of potential abuse seriously. They emphasized the importance of a coordinated response to protect vulnerable children in Centre County.

The meeting underscored the collaborative spirit among local agencies dedicated to child welfare, reinforcing the message that child abuse is preventable and that community involvement is essential in creating a safe environment for all children.