Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Child Welfare topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Yelm mayor proclaims April 2025 Child Abuse Prevention Month; FEST urges public action
Summary
Mayor Joe DiPano proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. A representative from Family Education Support Services described local efforts, the pinwheel symbol, and cited a local child maltreatment rate during remarks to the council.
Mayor Joe DiPano read and signed a proclamation declaring April 2025 Child Abuse Prevention Month in Yelm and called on residents, community agencies, faith partners and businesses to increase support for families.
Roger, a representative of Family Education Support Services (FEST), thanked the council and described FEST’s 25 years of work supporting families in the Tri-County area. Roger said recent Washington-state reports indicate a child maltreatment rate of about 35 victims per 1,000 children and urged community action to support families.
FEST brought pinwheels to the meeting, a national symbol of child abuse prevention, and asked leaders and residents to plant pinwheels during April to raise awareness. Roger described steps the public can take—learning prevention strategies, offering assistance to families under stress, volunteering with local organizations, and advocating for policies that prioritize children’s safety.
Mayor DiPano presented the proclamation and invited a photo opportunity. FEST left flyers about its programs with the council.
